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MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 

OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


East  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 


By  S.  F.  DENTON 


A Limited  Edition  of  500  Copies,  of  which  this  is 

Copy  No.  ///-o 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PYRAMEIS  CARDU1 


As  Nature  Shows  Them 


Moths 

and  Butterflies 

OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES 

EAST  OF  THE  ROCKY  MOUNTAINS 

With  over  400  Photographic  Illustrations  in  the  Text  and  Many  Transfers  of 

Species  from  Life 

By  SHERMAN  F.  DENTON 


Part  II.  THE  BUTTERFLIES 


BOSTON  : 

BRADLEE  WHIDDEN 

1900 


Copyright,  1900, 

By 

Bradlee  Whidden 


LIST  OF  TEXT  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Part  II  (Butterflies). 


Larva  of  Hesperidaj  (Eudamus  tityrus) 

Page 
. 106 

Thanaos  brizo 

. 168 

Thanaos  persius 

. 108 

Pholisora  catullus  ...... 

. 109 

Pamphila  del  aware  ..... 

. 170 

Pamphila  mystic  ...... 

. 170 

Pamphila  leonardus  ..... 

. 171 

Pamphila  peekius  ...... 

. 171 

Pyrgus  tessellata 

. 172 

Eudamus  proteus  ...... 

. 173 

Eudamus  lycidas.  Upper  side 

. 174 

Eudamus  lycidas.  Under  side 

. 175 

Eudamus  pylades 

. 175 

Eudamus  bathylus 

. 170 

Ancyloxypha  numitor 

. 170 

Larva  of  LycEena  ...... 

. 178 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Fig.  1.  Male  . 

. 180 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side.  Fig.  2. 

Male  . 

. 180 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side.  Fig.  3. 

Male  . 

. 181 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side.  Fig.  4. 

Male  . 

. 181 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Fig.  5.  Female 

. 182 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side.  Fig.  6. 

Female 

. 182 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Fig.  7.  Male 

. 183 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  LTnder  side.  Fig.  8. 

Male  . 

. 183 

Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Fig.  9.  Female 

. 183 

Lycaena  comyntas.  Male  .... 

. 184 

Lycaena  comyntas.  Under  side 

. 185 

Lycaena  comyntas.  Female  .... 

. 185 

Chrysophanus  hypoplaeas,  var. 

. 187 

Chrysophanus  thoe.  Male  .... 

. 188 

Chrysophanus  thoe.  Underside  . 

. 188 

Chrysophanus  thoe.  Female 

. 189 

Feniseca  tarquinius  ..... 

. 190 

Feniseca  tarquinius.  Under  side  . 

. 191 

Thecla  halesus  ...... 

. 193 

Thecla  halesus.  Female  .... 

. 194 

Thecla  halesus.  Female.  Under  side 

. 194 

Thecla  smilacis  ...... 

. 195 

Thecla  smilacis.  Under  side 

. 196 

viii  LIST  OF  TEXT  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page 

Tliecla  pceas  .............  197 

Theda  picas.  Under  side  ....  197 

Tliecla  calanus  .............  198 

Tliecla  calanus.  Under  side  ...........  199 

Tliecla  edwardsii  ..............  200 

Tliecla  edwardsii.  Under  side 201 

Tliecla  strigosa  ......  .......  202 

Tliecla  strigosa.  Under  side  ...........  202 

Tliecla  lmniuli  ..............  203 

Tliecla  liuniuli.  Under  side  ............  203 

Tliecla  titus 204 

Tliecla  titus.  Under  side  ............  205 

Tliecla  irus  ...............  200 

Tliecla  irus.  Under  side  ............  200 

Tliecla  niplion  ..............  207 

Tliecla  niplion.  Under  side  ............  207 

Tliecla  augustus  .............  208 

Tliecla  augustus.  Under  side  208 

Larva  of  Satyrus  ..............  210 

Chrysalis  of  Satyrus  .............  210 

Cliionobas  semidea  .............  211 

Cliionobas  semidea.  Under  side  ...........  211 

Satyrus  alope.  Male 212 

Satyrus  alope.  Male  .............  213 

Satyrus  alope.  Female  ............  213 

Satyrus  alope.  Albino  .............  214 

Satyrus  nepliele  ..............  215 

Satyrus  nepliele.  Under  side  ...........  216 

Neonympha  canthus.  Male 217 

Neonymplia  canthus.  Male  ...........  218 

Neonympha  canthus.  Male.  Under  side  .........  218 

Neonympha  canthus.  Female  ...........  219 

Neonympha  canthus.  Female.  Under  side  ........  219 

Neonympha  gemma.  Upper  and  under  side  ........  220 

Neonympha  sosybius.  Upper  and  under  side  ........  220 

Debis  portlandia  ..............  221 

Debis  portlandia.  Under  side  ...........  221 

Papliia  troglodyta.  Male  ............  225 

Papliia  troglodyta.  Female  ............  226 

Larva  of  Apatura 227 

Apatura  clyton.  Male 228 

Apatura  clyton.  Female 229 

Apatura  clyton.  Male.  Under  side.  ..........  229 

Apatura  clyton.  Dimorphic  form  ..........  230 

Chrysalis  of  Apatura  clyton  ............  230 

Apatura  celtis.  Male 231 

Apatura  celtis.  Male.  Under  side 232 

Apatura  flora  ...............  233 

Apatura  alicia  ..............  233 

Limenitis  Ursula..  Male  ............  234 

Limenitis  Ursula.  Female  ............  235 


LIST  OF  TEXT  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


IX 


P 

Limenitis.  Hybrid.  Male 

Limenitis.  Hybrid.  Male.  Under  side 

Limenitis.  Hybrid.  Female 

Larva  of  Limenitis  Ursula  ............ 

Chrysalis  of  Limenitis  Ursula  ........... 

Chrysalis  of  Limenitis  arthemis 

Limenitis  arthemis.  Male 

Limenitis  arthemis.  Female 

Limenitis  disippus.  Male 

Limenitis  disippus.  Female 

Limenitis  eros 

Victorina  steneles.  Upper  and  under  side 

Ageronia  ferona 

Ageronia  ferona.  Under  side 

Ageronia  fornax.  Upper  and  under  side 

Hypolimnas  misippus.  Male  ........... 

Hypolimnas  misippus.  Male.  Under  side  ......... 

Hypolimnas  misippus.  Female  ........... 

Hypolimnas  misippus.  Female.  Under  side  

Timetes  petreus 

Timetes  petreus.  Under  side 

Timetes  coresia.  Male 

Timetes  chiron  .............. 

Timetes  chiron.  Under  side  ............ 

Callicore  clymena 

Callicore  clymena.  Linder  side 

Euniea  monima 

Eunica  monima.  Under  side 

Eurema  lethe 

Eurema  lethe.  Under  side 

Anartia  jatrophae.  Male  ............ 

Anartia  jatrophae.  Female 

Anartia  jatrophae.  Underside  ........... 

Junonia  genoveva.  Male 

Junonia  genoveva.  Male.  Underside 

Junonia  genoveva.  Female 

Chrysalis  of  Pyrameis  

Pyrameis  huntera 

Pyrameis  huntera.  Under  side 

Chrysalis  of  Vanessa 

Grapta  interrogation^ 

Grapta  interrogationis 

Grapta  interrogationis  ............. 

Grapta  interrogationis.  Under  side 

Grapta  comma 

Grapta  comma.  Under  side 

Grapta  comma  .............. 

Grapta  comma.  Underside 

Grapta  comma.  Under  side 

Grapta  faunus  .............. 

Grapta  faunus.  Under  side 


’AGE 

236 

236 

237 

237 

238 

238 

238 

239 

240 

241 

242 

243 

245 

246 

247 

249 

250 

250 

251 

252 

253 

254 

255 

255 

266 

257 

258 

258 

259 

260 

261 

261 

262 

263 

263 

264 

265 

268 

268 

270 

271 

272 

272 

273 

274 

274 

275 

275 

276 

277 

277 


X LIST  OF  TEXT  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page 

Grapta  progne 278 

Grapta  progne.  Under  side  278 

Grapta  j-album 279 

Grapta  j-album.  Under  side  ...........  279 

Grapta  j-album.  Underside.  ...........  280 

Grapta  gracilis  ..............  281 

Grapta  gracilis.  Under  side  ............  281 

Melitica  phaeton  ..............  288 

Melitaia  phaeton 283 

Argynnis  idalia.  Male  and  female 285 

Argynnis  idalia.  Under  side  ...........  287 

Argynnis  diana.  Male.  Upper  and  under  side 289 

Argynnis  diana.  Female  ......  ......  291 

Argynnis  cybele.  Male  ............  292 

Argynnis  cybele.  Female  ............  293 

Colamis  julia.  Upper  and  under  side 297 

Colamis  delila 299 

Larva  of  Danais  archippus 300 

Chrysalis  of  Danais  archippus  ...........  300 

Danais  berenice.  Upper  and  under  side 303 

Danais  stigosa  ..............  305 

Eumenia  atala 300 

Eumenia  atala.  Under  side  ............  307 

Colias  philodice.  Male  ............  309 

Celias  philodice.  Female  ............  309 

Colias  philodice.  Female.  Albino  ..........  310 

Colias  eurytheme.  Male  ............  310 

Colias  eurytheme.  Female  ............  311 

Meganostoma  esesonia  .............  311 

Meganostoma  casonia.  Under  side 312 

Gonepteryx  clorinde.  Upper  and  under  side  ........  313 

Gonepteryx  mterula 315 

Callidryas  eubule.  Male  ............  310 

Callidryas  eubule.  Female  ............  317 

Chrysalis  of  Callidryas  eubule • 317 

Callidryas  ph ilea  ..............  318 

Callidryas  cipris.  Upper  and  under  side  .........  319 

Callidryas  philea.  Under  side  ..........  321 

Callidryas  argante  ........  .....  322 

Callidryas  argante.  Under  side 322 

Fieris  oleracea 324 

Pieris  oleracea.  Under  side 324 

Fields  protodice.  Male 325 

Fields  protodice.  Male.  Under  side  ..........  325 

Fieris  protodice.  Female  ............  326 

Terias  nicippe.  Male 326 

Terias  nicippe.  Male.  Under  side  ..........  327 

Terias  nicippe.  Female 327 

Terias  nicippe.  Female.  Under  side  ..........  328 

Terias  jucunda  ..........  ...  328 

Terias  proterpia  329 


LIST  OF  TEXT  ILLUSTRATIONS.  xi 

Page 

Anthocharis  olympia 330 

Anthocharis  olympia.  Under  side  330 

Anthocharis  genutia 331 

Anthocharis  genutia.  Under  side 331 

Anthocharis  genutia.  Female  ...........  332 

Parnassus  clodius 332 

Metamorphosis  of  Papilio 334 

Papilio  glaucus 336 

Papilio  glaucus.  Under  side 337 

Papilio  rntulus 338 

Papilio  daunus 339 

Papilio  ajax.  Early  spring  form 340 

Papilio  ajax.  Late  Spring  and  Summer  forms 341 

Chrysalis  of  Papilio  ajax 343 

Larva  and  chrysalis  of  Papilio  cresphontes  .........  344 

Papilio  tlioas 345 

Papilio  tlioas.  Under  side 346 

Papilio  asterias.  Male  . 348 

Papilio  asterias.  Female 349 

Papilio  zolicaon 350 

Larva  of  Papilio  troilus 351 

Chrysalis  of  Papilio  troilus 351 

Papilio  palamedes 353 

Papilio  palamedes.  Under  side 354 

Larva  and  chrysalis  of  Papilio  philenor 355 

Papilio  polydamas 355 

Papilio  polydamas.  Under  side ...  356 


LIST  OF  COLORED  PLATES 


TRANSFERS  FROM  LIFE. 


Pyrameis  CARDUI  . 
Eudamus  TITYRUS  . 
Chrysophanus  hypopl.eas 
Chrysophanijs  epixanthe 
Libythjea  bachmanni  . 
Satyrus  alope 
Neonympha  eurythiiis 
Neonympha  caxthus 
Paphia  troglodyta 
LlMENITIS  URSULA  . 

Limenitis  disippus 

JUNONIA  CCENIA 

Pyrameis  atalanta 
Pyrameis  huntera 
Vanessa  antiopa  . 
Vanessa  milberti  . 
Grapta  interrogation  is 
Grapta  j-album  . 
Phyciodes  tharos  . 
Argynnis  idalia  . 
Argynnis  cybele  . 
Argynnis  aphrodite 
Argynnis  Atlanta 
Argynnis  myrina  . 
Argynnis  bellona 

EUPTOIETA  CLAUDIA 


FACING  PAGE 


Frontispiece 


174 

186 

192 

208 

212 

216 

218 

226 

236 

240 

262 

264 

268 

270 

270 

272 

280 

282 

288 

292 

294 

294 

294 

294 


296 


xiv  LIST  OF  COLORED  PLATES. 

Page 

Agkaulis  vanillas 296 

Col.enis  JULIA  .........  298 

Dan  a is  a kci  up  pus  .........  300 

Heliconia  CHARITON  la  ........  306 

('OLIAS  PHI LODICE  .........  308 

COLIAS  EU  RA’TII  EM E ........  310 

Meganostoma  c.esonia 312 

GONEPTERYX  MJGRULA  ........  314 

Gonepteryx  clorinde 314 

Callidrvas  eup.ele 316 

C'ALLTDIIYAS  AGAR  IT  HE  ........  322 

PlERIS  IIAP.E  ..........  324 

Terias  lisa 326 

Terias  NIC  I PPL 328 

Papilio  turnus 336 

Papilio  ajax 342 

Papilio  cresphontes  344 

Papilio  asterias 348 

Papilio  troilus  .........  352 

Papilio  philenor 354 


CONTENTS. 


Page 

Rhopalocera.  The  Butterflies  ........  164 

Hesperidte  . . . . . . . . . . .165 

Lycsenidse  ...........  177 

Satyridas  ...........  210 

Nymphalidse  ...........  223 

Papilionidae 


. 308 


RHOPALOCERA 


THE  BUTTERFLIES 


164 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


SUB-ORDER  RHOPALOCERA.  The  Butterflies. 

The  hard  and  fast  lines  fixed  by  naturalists  do  not  really  exist  in 
Nature.  As  daylight  blends  into  darkness  and  night  again  into  day, 
or  as  the  colors  of  the  rainbow  softly  shade  into  one  another,  the 
violet  into  the  blue,  and  the  blue  into  the  green,  etc.,  so  the  different 
groups  of  insects  pass  by  almost  insensible  gradations  one  into 
another. 

The  most  noticeable  difference  between  the  moths  and  butterflies 
is  in  the  shape  of  the  antennae,  being  nearly  always  pointed  in 
the  former,  and  blunt  or  knobbed  at  the  ends  in  the  latter.  This, 
however,  is  by  no  means  a sure  guide,  as  many  of  the  Sphingidee 
have  club-shaped  antennae,  while  the  lowest  group  of  the  butterflies, 
the  Hesperidce,  are  furnished  with  antennae  having  hooked  extremities 
with  acutely  pointed  ends. 

None  of  the  butterflies  have  the  wings  joined  with  the  loop  and 
bristle  usually  found  among  the  moths.  The  butterflies  are  all  day- 
flyers,  thus  differing  in  their  habits  in  a marked  degree  from  the 
majority  of  the  moths. 

The  surface  of  the  eggs  of  butterflies  is  often  ornamented,  while 
the  eggs  of  most  of  the  moths  are  plain  and  smooth.  The  larvae  of 
all  butterflies,  with  the  exception  of  a few  of  the  lower  species,  are 
external  feeders,  and,  unlike  the  moths,  except  among  the  Hesper- 
idce , they  spin  no  cocoons,  the  naked  chrysalis  being  usually  suspended 
from  a silken  mat  by  the  posterior  extremity  and  either  with  or  with- 
out a band  of  silk  about  the  middle  of  the  body. 

These  chrysalides  are  of  various  shapes,  some  angular,  others 
bearing  spines  and  horns,  while  many  of  them  are  objects  of  extreme 
beauty  ; as  handsome  as  jewels  and  looking  exactly  as  if  embossed 
with  gold.  The  chrysalis  stage  usually  lasts  about  twenty  days, 
although  in  a number  of  species  the  winter  is  passed  in  this  stage. 

The  butterflies,  while  at  rest,  usually  hold  the  wings  upright, 
back  to  back,  while  the  same  organs  in  the  moths  are  generally 
folded  roof-shape  over  the  abdomen,  or  expanded  flat  upon  the  sup- 
port of  the  insect.  In  coloring,  the  butterflies  are  generally  much 
more  striking  than  the  moths,  their  wings  being  ornamented  in  many 


HESPERID.E. 


165 


species  with  bold  dashes  of  color,  lacking  that  soft  blending  so  char- 
acteristic of  most  of  the  moths. 

The  butterflies,  too,  though  strong  and  rapid  of  flight  many  of 
them,  have  much  smaller  bodies  generally  in  proportion  to  the  size 
of  the  wings  than  the  moths.  The  eyes  are  usually  well  developed, 
and  the  tongue  is  sufficiently  long  to  enable  the  insect  to  extract  the 
sweets  from  flowers,  or  sip  moisture  from  the  ground.  The  legs  of 
butterflies  are  usually  well  developed,  except  in  the  Nymplialidce , 
where  the  first  pair  are  nearly  aborted. 

HESPERIDjE. 

Skippers. 

The  most  moth-like  of  all  butterflies  are  the  Hespericlce , a group 
containing  a host  of  small,  plain-colored  insects,  usually  very  abun- 
dant in  our  fields  and  meadows. 

These  insects  are  stout-bodied  creatures  with  large  heads,  promi- 
nent eyes  and  hooked  or  pointed  antennae,  suggesting  those  of  the 
Sphinx  moths,  placed  wide  apart  at  their  base.  The  palpi  are 
thick  and  hairy,  making  them  look  blunt  and  clumsy.  The  lower 
wings,  while  the  insects  are  at  rest,  are  often  spread  horizontally, 
while  the  forward  pair  are  raised  nearly  vertically  above  the  back. 
In  coloring,  they  are  usually  very  plain,  black,  brown  and  tawny- 
yellow  predominating  in  our  native  insects.  A few  of  the  tropical 
species,  however,  are  gayly  colored.  Some  of  the  species  bear  tails 
similar  to  those  on  the  lower  wings  of  the  Papilios.  The  flight  of 
these  insects  is  rapid,  but  generally  continued  but  for  short  distances 
at  a time.  The  jerking  manner  of  their  movements,  with  their  rest- 
less darting  from  place  to  place,  has  earned  for  the  group  the  com- 
mon name  of  skippers.  They  are  lovers  of  flowers,  and  the  fields  of 
clover,  the  blossoms  of  milkweed,  elder  and  various  lowland  shrubs 
and  plants  usually  swarm  with  them. 

The  larva  of  the  Hesperidce  is  cylindrical  in  the  middle,  tapering 
toward  both  ends.  It  has  a large  head  placed  on  a narrow  neck, 
which  gives  it  a most  peculiar  appearance.  It  is  smooth,  naked,  or 
at  the  most,  downy  and  usually  of  dull  and  sombre  tints.  It  is 
solitary  in  its  habits,  and  is  largely  a night  feeder,  inhabiting  by  day 
a neatly  constructed  nest  made  of  silken  threads  inside  a curled  leaf. 
When  not  feeding,  the  larva  retreats  into  this  nest,  and  its  large, 
hard  head  acts  as  an  operculum,  completely  filling  the  entrance  and 


1G6 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


keeping  out  its  enemies,  reminding  one  in  this  respect  of  the  larva  of 
some  species  of  caddis  flies.  The  chrysalis  is  smooth,  shaped  like 


Larva  of  Hesperidfe.  (Eudanms  tityrus.) 


that  of  a moth,  and  is  powdered  with  a bluish  dust.  It  is  suspended 
by  the  tail  within  its  thin  silken  cocoon,  and  lias  a thin  band  of  silk 
passing  around  the  body  after  the  manner  of  the  Papilionidce. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  skippers,  as  they  are  often  termed,  is 
a genus  of  large,  powerful  insects  which  inhabit  the  southern  states, 
New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  known  to  entomologists  by  the  name 
3I(‘</atlnjmiil/(\  or  giant  skippers.  In  this  genus  the  head  is  not  so 
large  in  proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  body  as  in  most  of  the  members 
of  this  family,  but  the  body  is  very  stout  and  well  supplied  with 
muscles  to  work  the  stiff  and  proportionately  short  wings,  making 
these  insects  very  strong  on  the  wing.  The  antennsej  though  fur- 
nished with  a long  curved  knob,  are  not  pointed  nor  recurved  into  a 
book  as  in  most  of  the  Hesperidce.  These  insects  fly  very  rapidly, 
but  seem  as  if  undecided  where  to  go,  and  dart  first  to  one  side  and 
then  the  other,  suddenly  alighting,  and  seldom  remaining  more  than 
an  instant  in  a place.  All  four  wings  are  folded  vertically  over  the 
back  when  the  insect  is  at  rest,  differing  in  this  habit  in  an  important 
degree  from  the  majority  of  the  skippers. 

d'lie  best  known  of  this  genus  is  Megathymus  yucca?,  so  called 
from  the  larva  passing  the  most  of  its  existence  in  the  stem  and  root 
of  the  yucca  or  Spanish  bayonet.  The  butterfly  is  dark  umber-brown, 
the  base  and  the  margin  of  the  wings  being  tinged  with  yellow.  The 
light  markings  on  the  outer  third  of  the  upper  wings  are  yellow. 
All  four  wings  are  more  or  less  hairy  next  the  body.  The  under  side 
is  much  like  the  upper,  the  yellow  spots  being  repeated  beneath,  but 
paler,  while  there  are  gray  scales  toward  the  outer  portion  of  both 
sets  of  wings,  d'lie  female  is  a good  deal  larger  than  her  mate, 
measuring  three  inches  in  expanse  of  wing,  the  male  being  but  two 
and  one-half  inches  across  the  outstretched  wings,  d'lie  coloring  is 
much  the  same  in  both  sexes.  1 have  never  seen  the  larva  or  chrys- 
alis of  this  insect,  and  know  nothing  of  its  early  life-history, 
taking  the  following  interesting  descriptions,  with  its  habits,  from 


167 


HESPEEIDJE. 


a quotation  by  Prof.  G.  H.  French  from  Prof.  C.  V.  Riley.  The 
larva  lives  inside  the  stem  and  root  of  the  yucca.  The  eggs,  which 
are  pale  green,  are  deposited  singly  on  the  leaves,  and  when  hatched 
the  caterpillar  conceals  itself  in  a web  near  the  tip  of  the  young  leaf. 
As  it  grows,  it  generally  works  to  the  base  of  the  leaf,  feeding  as  it 
p’oes.  entering'  the  stem  when  it  is  about  one-fourth  grown.  The 
young  larva  is  dark  brick-red,  with  the  head  and  top  of  the  second 
segment  pitchy  black.  The  full-grown  larva  is  two  and  one-half 
inches  in  length,  and  of  a dull,  translucent  white  covered  with  a 
white,  glistening,  powdery  secretion  of  a waxy  nature. 

The  burrow  made  by  this  caterpillar  often  extends  two  feet  or 
more  below  the  surface  of  the  ground.  Before  pupating,  the  larva 
makes  a place  of  exit  for  the  butterfly,  lightly  closing  the  cavity  near 
the  end.  It  then  makes  a cell  sufficiently  farther  down  to  give  room 
enough  to  pupate,  and  in  this  it  undergoes  its  transformations.  The 
perfect  fly  emerges  in  April  or  May.  There  is  but  one  brood  in  a 
season.  There  are  two  other  species  of  this  genus  found  within  the 
borders  of  the  United  States,  but  their  life  in  the  caterpillar  and 
chrysalis  state  has  not  yet  been  worked  out.  They,  doubtless,  bore 
in  the  stems  and  roots  of  sub-tropical  plants.  Central  and  South 
America  have  representatives  of  this  genus. 

To  the  genus  Thanaos  (. Nisoniades ) belong  a number  of  widely 
distributed,  dull  brown  or  black  insects  with  broad,  flat  wings,  having 
a few  small  white  dots  and  sometimes  a row  of  dark  purplish  mark- 
ings on  the  upper  wings. 

These  insects  usually  appear  early  in  the  spring,  and  are  among 
the  first  which  a collector  may  take  with  the  net.  They  are  to  be 
found  along  roads  or  paths  in  wooded  districts,  or  in  open  spaces 
near  woods.  They  delight  to  sport  among  low  shrubs  and  bushes, 
and  fly  quite  rapidly,  two  or  three  chasing  each  other  about  from 
bush  to  bush,  often  alighting  and  spreading  their  wings  out  flat, 
holding  themselves  ready  to  immediately  take  wing.  They  are  quite 
pugnacious,  and  readily  give  chase  to  other  insects  that  may  pass 
their  way.  Great  care  is  necessary  in  separating  the  species,  as  many 
of  them  resemble  each  other  closely.  Some  are  double-brooded,  first 
making  their  appearance  in  April  and  May,  and  again  the  latter  part 
of  summer.  Although  so  plain  in  coloring,  these  butterflies  come  at 
a time  when  the  more  attractive  and  larger  kinds  have  not  come  forth 
to  delight  the  collector.  They  are  sufficiently  numerous  that  one 
may  secure  perfect  specimens  with  no  great  difficulty,  and  the  most 


168 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


sombre  butterfly  has  a beauty  of  its  own  when  perfect  and  carefully 
mounted.  Then,  too,  the  life-histories  of  many  of  the  kinds  are  still 
unknown,  and  a held  for  investigation  lies  open  to  the  student. 

But  two  only  of  our  more  common  species  of  this  genus 
will  be  described  here.  Thanaos  brizo  is  very  common  in  the 

eastern  and  middle  states,  being  found  as  far  west  as  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  and  on  warm  sunny  days  in  early  spring  may  be  found 
along  roads  and  paths  through  the  forests  or  the  young  growths  of 
oak.  It  often  alights  on  the  ground  or  on  low  herbage.  This  insect 
is  very  sombre  in  coloring.  The  upper  wings  are  dark  blackish- 
brown,  with  two  indistinct  and  ill-defined  rows  of  dark  bluish-gray 


Thanaos  brizo. 


oval  spots  surrounded  by  black.  The  lower  wings  are  brown,  with 
two  faint  rows  of  yellowish-brown  spots  near  the  lower  margin. 
Underneath,  both  wings  have  two  rows  of  yellowish  spots. 


Thanaos  persius. 


Thanaos  persius  is  a common  insect  and  widely  distributed  over 
the  continent.  The  upper  wings  are  bluish-gray,  with  three  irregular 


HESPETJIDJE. 


169 


rows  of  black  triangular  spots  crossing  them.  The  row  of  spots  near 
the  outer  margin  is  tipped  externally  with  yellowish-brown,  while 
the  other  spots  are  outlined  with  gray.  There  are  several  clear  white 
spots  distributed  on  the  wings,  as  shown  in  the  illustration.  The  lower 
wings  are  brown  with  two  rows  of  faint  yellowish-brown  spots  near 
their  outer  margins.  The  body  is  blackish-brown.  The  larva  feeds 
on  willow  and  poplar. 


Pliolisora  Catullus. 

A much  smaller  species  related,  to  the  foregoing  is  Pliolisora 
catullus.  In  this  insect  the  wings  and  body  are  black,  or  very  dark 
blackish-brown,  and  the  wings  are  unadorned,  save  with  a line  of 
small  white  spots  near  the  apex  of  the  fore  wings.  The  head  and 
palpi  also  have  a few  small  white  dots.  This  little  butterfly  is  dis- 
tributed over  the  whole  United  States. 

In  the  genus  PampMla  is  assembled  a large  number  of  species 
(over  one  hundred  being  inhabitants  of  the  United  States)  of  small, 
stout-bodied  butterflies,  distributed  over  the  whole  continent,  and 
often  very  abundant  in  point  of  number.  The  antennae  usually  end 
in  a club  with  a pointed  recurved  tip.  In  coloring  they  are  gener- 
ally  dark  brown  with  spots  or  markings  of  yellow  or  yellowish-brown. 
The  sexes  are  generally  separated  without  difficulty  by  the  males 
having  a strongly  marked  oblique  brown  stripe  on  the  forward  wings. 
These  insects  abound  in  the  fields  and  meadows,  being  particularly 
plentiful  along  flowing  streams  where  the  sweets  of  various  kinds  of 
wild  flowers  tempt  them  to  remain.  In  walking  through  the  rank 
grasses  and  weeds  beside  a brook  or  pond,  one  may  find  dozens  of 
them  in  June,  July  and  August,  and  a large  number  of  species  may 
be  taken  in  such  localities.  A good  many  will  be  ruined  in  the  net, 
however,  as  they  move  their  wings  so  rapidly  when  captured  that 
often  only  the  torn  fragments  of  them  remain  when  taken  out. 
When  disturbed  they  fly  rapidly  with  a jerking  motion,  and  again 
alight  after  moving  but  a few  feet.  A good  many  of  them  fall  a 


170 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


prev  to  a yellowish-white  spider,  which  hides  among  the  blossoms 
ever  ready  for  its  unsuspecting  victims,  and  clutches  the  insect  sud- 
denly in  its  powerful  fore  legs  as  it  works  intent  upon  extracting 
honey.  One  may  often  procure  fine  specimens  by  robbing  the 
spiders,  for  they  do  not  seem  to  injure  the  appearance  of  the  insects. 
The  eggs  of  these  insects  are  frequently  pale  green,  of  a high  con- 
y ex  shape  above  and  flattened  beneath,  the  surface  being  often  corru- 
gated or  ribbed.  The  larvae  of  the  Pamphila  are  of  various  subdued 
colors,  often  being  pale  green  and  are  sometimes  slightly  downy. 
They  feed  upon  grasses.  The  larvae  of  a great  many  species  are 
still  unknown. 

But  a few  of  the  more  common  species  can  be  illustrated  in  this 
work,  as  very  careful  descriptions  and  many  illustrations  would  be 
necessary  to  enable  the  beginner  to  separate  the  species  of  insects 
often  so  closely  resembling  each  other. 


Pamphila  delaware. 


Pamphila  delaware  is  common  throughout  the  eastern  half  of  the 
country.  The  predominating  color  is  brownish-yellow.  The  body  is 


Pampliila  mystic. 


dark  brown,  thickly  covered  with  yellowish  hairs.  The  fore  wings 
have  a wide  band  of  dark  brown  on  the  outer  margin,  with  a brown- 


HESPERIDiE, 


171 


ish  shade  next  the  body.  The  lower  wings  are  surrounded  by  a 
heavy  border  of  dark  brown. 

In  Pampliila  mystic , the  body  is  dark  brown,  covered  with 
yellowish  hairs.  The  wings  are  reddish  or  brownish-yellow,  with 
wide  margins  of  dark  brown.  The  dark  brown  markings  extend 
along  the  veins  across  the  yellowish  portion,  throwing  them  into 
relief.  This  butterfly  inhabits  the  northeastern  part  of  the  United 
States. 


Pampliila  leonardus. 


Pampliila  leonardus  inhabits  the  eastern  part  of  the  country,  both 
north  and  south.  It  is  a strongly  marked  insect,  and  is  more  easily 
distinguished  than  many  of  the  other  species  which  are  frequently 
exceedingly  difficult  to  separate.  The  predominating  color  is  dark 
brown,  with  a number  of  clearly  cut  yellowish  spots,  their  shape  and 
distribution  being  clearly  shown  in  the  figure.  The  under  side  is 
reddish-brown,  and  much  lighter  than  the  upper  side.  The  yellow 
spots  show  on  both  sides  of  the  wings. 


Pampliila  peekius. 


A very  common  insect  belonging  to  this  genus,  and  found 
throughout  the  eastern  half  of  the  continent,  is  Pampliila  peekius. 
The  coloring  is  brown,  with  a yellowish  cast,  and  a number  of  dull 
yellow  spots  and  markings  adorn  both  sets  of  wings.  In  the  male 


172 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


insect  the  oblique  markings  on  the  forward  wings  are  black,  and  very 
strongly  defined.  .June  and  July  are  the  months  for  the  appearance 
of  this  butterfly. 

The  largest  species  of  the  genus  found  in  this  country,  Pampliila 
ethlius,  is  two  inches  in  expanse,  and  blackish-brown  in  color,  with 
numerous  square  and  diamond  shaped  translucent  whitish  spots.  It 
is  said  to  he  common  in  the  southern  states,  particularly  along  the 
Gulf,  and  occasionally  strays  even  as  far  north  as  New  York.  I am 
not  fortunate  enough  to  possess  a specimen  of  this  insect. 

A number  of  skippers  having  antennae  with  spindle-shaped  ends, 
and  the  ground-color  of  the  wings  brown,  checkered  with  white 
spots,  belong  to  the  genus  Pyrgus. 

Most  of  the  species  belong  to  the  western  fauna.  They  are  easily^ 
recognized,  being  quite  different  in  general  appearance  from  the  rest  of 
our  native  skippers. 


X'yrgus  tessellata,. 


In  the  hot  summer  Pyrgus  tesseUata  is  a common  insect  through- 
out the  middle  west  and  south.  I have  collected  specimens  in  Iowa 
and  Arkansas,  but  in  my  experience  it  is  rare  in  New  England, 
although  occasionally  taken.  This  butterfly  loves  to  flit  about  the 
grass  and  weeds  in  fields  and  meadows,  and  is  particularly  partial  to 
the  cleared  land  along  rivers  and  small  streams.  It  is  a rapid  flyer 
for  so  small  an  insect  and  is  rather  shy.  Its  colors  usually  harmo- 
nize in  a surprising  manner  with  the  surrounding  dry  and  dusty 
vegetation,  for  it  is  in  July  and  August  that  it  is  most  abundant, 
when  through  the  lack  of  rain  everything  in  the  fields  is  an  uninter- 
esting grayish-brown.  It  frequently  alights  on  the  ground,  and  with 
its  wings  half-spread  is  not  a conspicuous  object.  The  ground-color 
of  its  wings  is  dark  brown,  the  lower  half  of  the  upper  wings  and 
the  inner  half  of  the  lower  pair  being  streaked  with  gray  hairs.  A 
number  of  large  and  small  white  spots  are  scattered  over  both  sets  of 


HESPERID.E. 


1 7Q 

1 I o 

wings,  arranged  as  shown  in  the  illustration.  The  body  is  slate- 
brown,  thinly  covered  with  gray  hairs.  The  under  side  of  the  wings 
is  much  lighter  than  the  upper  being  light  yellowish-brown  in 
irregular  bars  on  a white  ground. 

There  is,  perhaps,  greater  variety  both  in  regard  to  shape  and  col- 
oring to  be  found  among  the  different  species  of  the  genus  JEudamus 
than  in  any  of  the  other  genera  of  the  family.  Many  of  our  native 
species  are  comparatively  large,  measuring  from  one  and  one-lialf  to 
two  or  more  inches  across  the  expanded  wings.  In  this  genera  the 
antennae  are  bent  into  an  acutely  pointed  hook.  One  of  the  largest, 


JEudamus  proteus. 


and  also  one  of  the  most  attractive,  of  our  native  species  is  Eudamus 
proteus.  This  insect  is  two  inches  or  more  in  expanse,  the  lower  pair 
of  wings  being  prolonged  into  tails  somewhat  resembling  the 
Papilios.  The  upper  wings  are  dark  brown,  with  a number  of  light 
yellowish,  translucent  spots  arranged  in  two  vague  rows  on  the  outer 
half  of  the  wing. 

The  lower  wings  are  also  brown,  covered  on  the  inner  half  next 
the  body  with  metallic-green  hairs  which,  rvhen  the  insect  is  alive 
and  moving  about  in  the  sunshine,  flash  brilliant  green.  The  outer 
edges  of  both  sets  of  wings  are  fringed  with  yellowish-brown,  inter- 
rupted with  black  dots.  The  body  is  dark  brown,  clothed  with  green 
hairs.  The  under  side  of  the  insect  is  brown,  mottled  with  darker 
brown.  The  yellowish  spots  are  seen  from  below,  but  are  less  sharply 


174 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


defined.  Tins  butterfly  inhabits  the  southern  states,  and  is  some- 
times seen  as  far  north  as  New  York.  It  is  a common  insect  in 
Florida,  the  larva  feeding  on  various  garden  plants,  such  as  beans, 
peas,  cabbages,  etc.,  and  often  doing  considerable  damage. 

We  may  often  find  on  the  locust  trees  the  nests  of  the  larvae  of 
on)-  beautiful  Eudamus  tityrus.  These  caterpillars,  although  often 
quite  common,  are  solitary  in  their  habits,  each  one  making  its  sep- 
arate cell  in  which  it  resides  during  the  daytime,  coming  forth  to 
feed  at  night.  The  caterpillar  is  light  green,  banded  across  with 
lines  of  darker  green,  having  a reddish-brown  bead,  with  two  large 
yellow  spots  placed  where  one  would  expect  the  eyes  to  be.  These, 
with  the  monstrous  size  of  the  head,  give  the  creature  a very  peculiar 
appearance.  When  full  grown,  the  caterpillar  spins  a thin,  silken 
cocoon,  usually  in  a curled  leaf,  and  attaching  itself  by  the  tail,  with 
a thread  of  silk  about  its  body,  undergoes  its  transformations.  The 
butterfly  comes  forth  in  June  and  July,  and  is  to  be  found  about 
flowering  shrubs  and  weeds  in  open  country,  being  seldom  seen  in 
forests.  Along  brooks  or  the  borders  of  ponds  are  favorite  haunts  of 
this  butterfly.  It  is  a rapid  flyer,  and  is  somewhat  shy,  although  one 
may  approach  it  closely  if  care  be  taken.  I have  in  mind  one  locality 
near  Lebanon,  Ohio,  where  along  the  banks  of  a brook  this  insect  was 
very  abundant,  every  bunch  of  flowering  weeds  having  its  occupants, 
the  bright,  silvery  spot  on  the  under  side  of  the  lower  wings  glisten- 
ing as  they  moved  about  in  the  sunlight.  This  butterfly  lias  a very 
wide  range,  being  found  over  nearly  all  portions  of  the  United  States. 


Another  insect,  closely  resembling  the  preceding  both  in  size  and 
the  coloring  of  the  upper  surface,  is  Eudamus  lycidas.  It  is  a little 


Eudamus  lycidas.  Upper  side. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


EUDAMUS  TITYRUS 


HESPERIDJ3. 


175 


smaller  than  Eudamus  tityrus.  The  general  color  is  dark  brown, 
with  a number  of  angular,  translucent,  yellowish  spots  on  the  fore 
wings.  The  fringe  along  the  outer  edge  of  the  fore  wings  is  yellow- 
ish-brown, interrupted  with  black  dots,  that  of  the  lower  wings  being- 
gray  with  black  points.  The  body  is  brown.  The  lower  side  of  the 


Eudamus  lycidas.  Under  side. 


butterfly  is  in  strong  contrast  with  the  upper.  The  upper  wings  are 
mottled  brown,  lighter  toward  their  lower  margin,  with  a large  black 
patch  occupying  the  upper  part  of  the  wing  next  the  body.  A large, 
single  yellow  spot  takes  the  place  of  the  yellow  spots  seen  from  the 
upper  side.  The  lower  wings  have  a large  black  area,  bordered 


Eudamus  pylades. 


above  and  below  with  brown,  and  enclosing  two  or  three  bi  own  spots. 
This  occupies  the  upper  half  of  the  wing  next  the  body.  A patch  of 
brown,  fringed  with  black,  occurs  at  the  lower  angle,  the  rest  of  the 
wing  being  white,  streaked  with  fine  brown  markings,  thickest 
toward  the  upper  part.  The  brown  of  the  lower  wings  is  streaked 


176 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


with  darker  brown.  The  body  below  is  almost  black,  and  the  palpi 
are  gray.  The  habits  of  this  insect  are  very  like  those  of  Eudamus 
tityrus , but  according  to  rny  experience,  it  is  a much  rarer  butterfly. 
T have  never  seen  it  abundant,  although  1 have  specimens  from 
Massachusetts,  Washington,  D.  Ch,  and  Arkansas. 

j Eudamus  pylades  is  a sooty  brown  butterfly,  ivith  a number  of 
small  angular  light  spots  distributed  over  the  outer  half  of  the 
forward  wing.  The  body  is  darker  brown  than  the  wings.  The 
larva  feeds  on  clove)',  and  the  perfect  insect  comes  forth  in  June.  It 
is  an  inhabitant  of  all  but  the  most  northern  part  of  the  United 
States. 


Eudamus  bathylus  is  a very  similar  insect  in  color  and  shape  to 
the  preceding,  except  that  the  yellow  spots  on  the  fore  wings  are 
much  larger  and  more  distinct.  It  is  more  southern  in  its  range  of 
territory.  I have  specimens  from  Virginia  and  Arkansas. 


A little  species,  belonging  to  this  same  family,  but  differing 
much  in  shape  from  those  already  described,  is  Ancyloxypha  numitor. 
In  this  butterfly  the  head  is  wide  and  large,  proportionally,  but  the 


Eudamus  bathylus. 


HESPEEIDiE. 


177 


thorax  tapers  backward,  and  the  abdomen  is  thin  and  long,  contrast- 
ing greatly  with  most  of  the  skippers.  The  antennse  are  knobbed 
bnt  not  pointed.  The  upper  wings  are  yellowish-brown  with  a wide 
black  margin.  The  lower  wings  are  lighter  or  tan  color  with  a 
heavy  black  border  extending  along  the  upper  margin  around  to  the 
inner  angle  and  are  fringed  with  yellow.  This  is  a very  common 
butterfly  in  August  over  the  eastern  half  of  the  United  States.  It 
is  fond  of  open  fields,  and  the  second  crop  of  clover  is  a favorite 
with  it. 


LYCJENID2E. 

Blues,  Copy's,  Hairstreaks. 

A large  number  of  frail  but  lovely  little  creatures  comprise  the 
great  family  Lyccenidce.  Most  of  the  species  belonging  to  this  family 
are  small,  our  largest  being  about  two  inches  in  expanse  of  wing. 
The  antennse  are  knobbed  or  clubbed,  but  not  pointed  as  in  the 
family  of  Hesperidce , and  the  knob  is  straight.  The  wings  are  fre- 
quently delicate  in  structure  and  are  large  and  flat  in  proportion  to 
the  body,  which  is  slender.  The  thorax  in  a few  species  is  robust 
but  is  generally  slight.  All  six  legs  are  well  developed  and  are  used 
in  walking.  The  family  is  a very  large  one  and  insects  belonging  to 
it  are  to  be  found  in  almost  every  land.  The  beauty  of  some  of  the 
species  is  most  extraordinary,  comprising  almost  every  conceivable 
color  and  shade.  Many  of  them  are  metallic  blue,  while  others  are 
green,  purple,  red  or  golden,  and  some  a combination  of  these.  A 
number  bear  on  the  lower  wings  curiously  shaped  tails.  Were  these 
slight  butterflies  of  large  size  some  of  them  would  rival  the  gorgeous 
Morphos  and  the  regal  Papilios  and  Ornithopteras.  The}’  are  to  my 
mind  among  the  handsomest  objects  in  nature.  Some  of  them  haunt 
open  grassy  fields  and  meadows,  others  delight  in  low  shrubbery  on 
the  outskirts  of  forests,  and  still  others  prefer  the  woods  and  will 
often  congregate  in  numbers  in  sunny  open  spaces  among  the  trees. 
The  flight  of  some,  especially  the  more  delicate,  is  slow  and  un- 
steady, while  others  are  swift  flyers  ; but  their  flight  is  not  usually 
long  sustained.  Their  flight  is  generally  low,  and  consequently  they 
are  easily  taken  with  the  net.  When  they  alight  their  wings  are 
most  often  closed  tightly  together  over  the  back,  and  some  have  a 
habit  while  at  rest  on  a leaf  or  flower  of  working  each  of  the  lower 
pair  of  wings  alternately  up  and  down.  This  habit,  strange  as  it 


178 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


may  seem,  lias  gone  round  the  world,  and  when  one  is  collecting 
perhaps  on  the  other  side  of  the  globe  he  will  see  species  allied  to 
those  so  well  known  in  his  native  land,  as  they  alight  on  the  tropical 
foliage  go  through  the  same  antics.  One  is  apt  to  exclaim,  “ Dear 
me!  where  did  that  little  butterfly  learn  that  trick?”  A fact  like 
this  is  very  likely  to  set  one  wondering  how  such  a habit  is  trans- 
mitted and  also  why  it  should  be  so  persistent  in  travelling  so  far. 

The  lame  of  these  butterflies  are  interesting  from  the  fact  that 
they  are  slug-like  in  their  form  and  movements,  their  abdominal  legs 


Larva  of  Lycsena. 


being  so  short  that  they  cling  very  closely  to  their  support  and  glide 
rather  than  crawl.  In  this  respect  they  resemble  the  larvse  of 
Li  Unicodes  among  the  Bombyx  moths.  They  also  somewhat  resemble 
wood-lice,  the  head  being  small  and  capable  of  being  retracted  be- 
neath the  folds  of  the  first  thoracic  segments.  The  body  is  not 
adorned  with  tubercles  and  filaments  as  in  most  of  the  larvae  of 
Limacodes.  Some  of  the  species  are  said  by  Professor  Comstock  to 
possess  honey  tubes  through  which  honey  dew  is  extracted  for  the 
use  of  ants.  Many  of  the  caterpillars  are  green  in  color  and  feed  on 
the  leaves  of  forest  trees,  oak  being  a favorite  food  plant.  One  of 
our  native  species  is  carniverous  in  the  caterpillar  stage  and  feeds  on 
plant-lice.  A few  of  the  larvae  are  downy,  but  they  are  usually 
naked.  The  chrysalis  is  short,  broad  and  thick  and  is  convex  on  the 
back,  rounded  at  both  ends  and  flat  beneath.  It  is  attached  by  the 
tail  to  a silken  mat  and  has  a band  of  silk  about  the  middle,  holding 
it  closely  to  the  substance  to  which  it  is  fastened.  The  Lyccenidce 
may  be  readily  separated  into  three  groups,  the  “ Blues,”  includ- 
ing many  blue,  purplish  and  bluish-brown  insects ; the  “ Coppers,” 
in  winch  many  of  the  species  are  copper-red  or  brownish-red; 
and  the  “ Hairstreaks,”  wherein  a large  number  bear  tails  and  are 
of  various  colors,  often  ornamented  with  fine  streaks  of  color  beneath. 
The  United  States  are  rich  in  insects  belonging  to  this  family,  the 
mountain  regions  of  the  Pacific  coast  being  particularly  so ; while 
some  of  the  most  beautiful  inhabit  the  valleys  and  table-lands  of 
Colorado,  Arizona  and  New  Mexico. 


LYCiENID.-E. 


179 


LYCJENA.  Blues. 

The  “ blues,”  or  the  genus  Lyccena , is  well  represented  in  this 
country,  but  the  bulk  of  the  species  inhabit  the  Pacific  coast  where  a 
large  number  of  the  finest  insects  of  this  genus  are  to  be  found.  These 
butterflies  are  frail,  delicate  creatures,  the  body  being  weak,  the  wings 
large  and  wide  in  proportion.  The  coloring  of  the  upper  side  of 
the  wings  in  most  species  is  satiny  blue,  others  being  bluish-purple 
and  purple-brown.  The  under  side  is  generally  light  gray  with  more 
or  less  distinct  brown  or  blackish  markings.  There  are  about  fifty 
species  of  these  butterflies  inhabiting  the  United  States,  but  only  a 
few  of  them  occur  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  To  one  who  has 
collected  in  New  England  or  the  western  states  the  number  of 
species  and  individuals  of  this  group  to  be  seen  in  the  mountain 
valleys  of  Nevada  and  California  is  something  long  to  be  remembered 
with  delight.  They  are  most  abundant  in  the  spring  and  early 
summer,  when  the  valleys  are  bright  with  wild  flowers  and  before 
the  long  and  severe  summer  drouth  has  turned  the  fertile  land  into 
a brown  and  barren  desert.  Near  Washoe,  Nevada,  at  the  eastern 
base  of  the  Sierra  Nevada,  my  brother  one  season  made  an  extensive 
collection  of  species  of  this  genus  and  the  Chrysophanus  and  Theda. 
They  are  very  plentiful  in  the  Yosemite  valley  in  June,  and  at  that 
time  the  wild  flowers  are  peopled  with  them.  We  have  but  two 
common  species  of  this  genus  in  the  east,  although  two  or  three 
others  occur  rarely  in  the  middle  states  and  several  in  Florida. 

Lyccena  pseudargiohis  is  our  best-known  species,  as  it  is  every- 
where abundant  in  early  spring,  and  is  on  the  wing  soon  after  the 
snow  disappears  from  the  woods.  This  insect  lias  many  well-marked 
varieties,  some  eight  or  ten  of  which  have  been  described  and  named, 
entomologists  supposing  them  to  be  distinct  species.  A remarkable 
thing  about  these  varieties  lies  in  the  fact  that  they  are  frequently 
local,  having  boundaries  as  distinct  as  well-marked  species,  and  while 
the  insect  in  general  inhabits  a large  part  the  United  States  and 
Canada,  extending  also  up  into  Alaska,  certain  varieties  are  often 
much  more  restricted.  Another  curious  fact  connected  with  this 
and  several  other  kinds  of  butterflies  is  that  the  insects  emerging 
from  chrysalides  which  have  hibernated  over  winter  are  different  from 
their  parents,  which  were  the  summer  brood  of  the  year  before.  With- 
out going  too  much  into  details  two  or  three  of  the  well-marked 
varieties  will  be  given  with  descriptions. 


180 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


Iii  the  early  spring  form,  probably  most  numerous  throughout  the 
country,  the  upper  side  of  the  male  (Fig.  1)  is  a rich  satiny  or  azure 


blue,  deepest  near  the  base  of  all  four  wings.  The  upper  wings  are 
margined  outwardly  with  a narrow  shading  of  blackish,  widest  and 
heaviest  at  the  apex  of  the  wing.  The  lower  wings  are  edged  on 
their  outer  margin  with  a narrow,  dark  line.  Both  pairs  of  wings 
are  fringed  with  gray,  darker  toward  the  apex  of  the  upper  wings, 
and  interrupted  on  both  wings  with  black  dots.  The  body  is 
black.  Insects  with  these  colors  above  have  at  least  three  varieties 


where  the  colors  beneath  differ.  Fig.  2 is  light  gray  beneath,  having 
a row  of  light  brown  dots  along  the  outer  margin  of  all  four  wings 
enclosed  on  the  inner  side  with  a scalloped  line  of  the  same  color. 
An  irregular  row  of  dark  brown  spots  cross  the  upper  wings  near 
their  outer  margin,  the  remainder  being  plain  gray,  slightly  darker 
along  the  upper  margin.  A number  of  black  spots  are  scattered  over 
the  lower  wings.  The  thorax  is  light  gray,  the  abdomen  nearly 
white.  In  Fig.  3 the  under  side  is  bluish-gray,  darker  than  Fig.  2. 


Lycaina  pseudargiolus. 
Fig.  1.  Male. 


Uycania  pseudargiolus.  Under  side. 
Fig.  2.  Male. 


LYCiENIDzE. 


181 


The  spots  on  the  outer  margin  of  the  wings  are  very  faint,  fading  out 
on  the  upper  wings,  and  outside  the  scalloped  line  is  a hand  of  brown- 


ish-gray lighter  toward  the  apex  of  the  upper  wings.  The  row  of 
spots  on  the  upper  and  the  scattered  spots  on  the  lower  wings  are 
not  so  sharply  defined,  but  are  larger  than  in  Fig.  2.  The  thorax 


is  darker  gray  and  the  abdomen  is  white.  Fig.  4 is  still  stronger 
marked  ; the  gray  is  a little  darker  than  in  Fig.  3.  Outside  the 
scalloped  line  along  the  outer  margin  of  the  wings  is  a wide  band 
of  brown  enclosing  black  spots  on  the  lower  wings.  The  row  of 
spots  on  the  upper  wings  are  heavy  and  make  a continuous  line. 
On  the  lower  wings  the  scattered  spots  have  widened  until  they 
have  coalesced,  making  a large  patch  of  brown  on  the  middle  of  the 
wing.  The  thorax  is  dark  gray,  the  abdomen  white.  The  typical 
female  form  is  shown  in  Fig.  5.  The  wings  are  satiny  blue,  some- 
what darker  than  in  the  male.  Along  the  outer  margin  and  extend- 
ing half-way  along  the  upper  edge  of  the  upper  wing  is  a wide  band 
of  black,  strongest  at  the  apex.  The  upper  edge  next  the  body  is 


Lyctena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side. 
Fig.  3.  Male. 


Lycaena  pseudargiolus.  Underside. 
Fig.  4.  Male. 


182 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


light,  gray.  Tlie  lower  wings  are  fringed  with  white  interrupted 
with  black  spots.  Along  the  outer  margin  is  a row  of  small  black 


Lycaena  pseudargiolus. 

Fig.  5.  Female. 

spots.  The  thorax  is  black,  the  abdomen  dark  gray.  The  under  side 
of  the  female  is  shown  in  Fig.  6.  The  wings  are  gray,  darkest 


Lycsena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side. 

Fig.  (>.  Female. 

next  the  body.  Heavy  blackish  spots  adorn  the  wings  and  a wide 
border  of  blackish-brown  scalloped  on  the  inside  follows  the  outer 
margins.  The  specimens  described  and  figured  were  all  taken  early 
in  the  season  near  my  home. 

A specimen  from  Haverhill,  Massachusetts,  is  somewhat  larger 
than  those  first  described.  It  is  like  the  ordinary  variety  above  ex- 
cept that  the  lower  wings  have  a large  very  light  area  in  the  middle. 
Beneath,  it  is  very  light  gray  with  small  distinct  lines  and  spots.  A 
variety  sent  me  from  near  Toronto,  Ont.,  is  large  and  beautiful.  In 
the  male  insect  (Fig.  7)  the  upper  side  of  the  wings  is  rich  shining 
purple  with  a narrow  line  of  black  edging  the  outer  margin  of  all 
four  wings.  Outside  of  this  is  an  uninterrupted  white  fringe.  The 
body  is  bluish-gray.  The  under  side  (Fig.  8)  is  a much  darker  gray 


LYCJENIDiE. 


183 


than  those  already  described.  There  is  a row  of  shining  blue  spots 
along  the  outer  margin  of  the  lower  wings,  and  above  these  a band  of 


Lycaena  pseudargiolus. 

Fig.  7.  Male. 

ochre  edged  internally  with  a line  of  black  crescents.  The  other 
spots  on  the  wing  are  black,  except  a double  row  along  the  outer 


Lycsena  pseudargiolus.  Under  side. 

Fig.  8.  Male. 

margin  of  the  fore  wings  which  are  dark  gray.  These  spots  are  all 
edged  with  light  gray.  The  female  of  this  variety  (Fig.  9)  is  very 


Lycsena  pseudargiolus. 

Fig.  9.  Female. 

different  from  those  already  mentioned,  being  dark  brown  with  a 
purplish  area  on  the  lower  half  of  the  upper  wings,  the  same  purple 


184 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


extending  in  a band,  widening  as  it  crosses  the  lower  wing  from  the 
base  to  the  lower  margin,  where  it  occupies  nearly  the  whole  width 
of  the  wing.  A row  of  black  spots  extends  along  the  lower  margin 
of  the  lower  wings,  partly  enclosed  on  their  inner  sides  with  orange- 
colored  half-moon  spots,  which  fade  out  as  they  approach  the  upper 
margin.  A narrow  black  line  extends  along  the  outer  margin  of  the 
upper  wings  and  is  continued  along  the  lower  margin  of  the  lower 
pair.  Both  sets  of  wings  are  fringed  with  gray  scales.  The  body  is 
black. 

These  little  butterflies  are  slow  flyers,  keeping  not  far  above  the 
ground,  and  are  usually  most  abundant  on  the  outskirts  of  woods. 
They  love  to  congregate  about  damp  places  on  the  ground  to  sip  the 
moisture.  With  care  one  may  approach  closely  and  even  take  them 
by  hand.  The  coloring  of  the  male  when  freshly  hatched  is  very 
pleasing  and  is  almost  the  exact  tint  of  the  horseshoe  violet  which 
blooms  at  the  time  when  this  butterfly  is  most  numerous,  the  flowers 
and  insects  being  often  found  near  one  another.  There  are  two  or 
more  broods  of  these  butterflies  in  a season.  The  larva  is  usually 
light  green  with  brown  markings,  but  pinkish  or  chocolate-brown 
specimens  sometimes  occur.  It  feeds  on  the  buds  and  flowers  of 
several  plants,  dogwood  and  rattle-weed  being  favorites.  The  chrys- 
alis is  brown  with  two  rows  of  brown  dots  down  the  back  of  the 
abdomen. 


Lycsena  comyntas.  Male. 


One  other  common  species  of  this  genus  is  Lyccena  comyntas. 
The  male  is  dark  violet,  the  upper  wings  with  a narrow  band  of 
blackish-brown  along  their  outer  margin,  the  upper  and  lower  margin 
of  the  lower  wings  being  the  same  color.  The  lower  wing  has  a 
black  thread-like  tail  with  a white  tip.  This  will  readily  distinguish 
it  from  the  preceding  tailless  species  regardless  of  the  varieties  it  may 
assume.  Along  the  lower  margin  of  the  lower  wing  is  a row  of  black 


LYCJENIM3. 


185 


spots,  tlie  largest  one  just  above  the  base  of  the  tail  having  an  orange 
crescent  above  it.  These  black  spots  are  outlined  on  the  outer  side 
with  a faint  white  line.  The  thorax  is  bluish-black,  the  abdomen 


Lycsena  comyntas.  Under  side. 


brown.  The  under  side  which  is  similar  in  both  sexes,  is  very  light 
gray.  A number  of  dark  gray  dots  are  arranged  in  rows  on  the  outer 
third  of  the  upper  wings,  and  a row  extends  along  the  lower  margin 
of  the  lower  wings,  the  two  nearest  the  lower  angle  being  partly 
enclosed  with  orange  crescents.  Other  spots  of  gray  are  scattered  over 
the  wings,  and  most  of  them  on  both  wings  are  outlined  with  white. 
The  legs  and  thorax  are  light  gray  and  the  abdomen  white.  The 


Lycfena  comyntas.  Female 


female  of  this  species  is  blackisli-brown  with  purple  reflections  in  a 
strong  light.  A faint  white  line  extends  along  the  lower  margin  of 
the  lower  wings  and  two  distinct  black  spots  are  located  above  near 
the  base  of  the  tail.  The  spots  are  partly  surrounded  above  with  two 
crescents.  The  body  is  black. 

This  tiny  butterfly  makes  its  appearance  in  the  latter  part  of  July 
and  the  first  of  August,  and  is  usually  to  be  met  with  in  abundance 
about  forest  clearings  or  bushy  pastures.  It  is  a weak  little  creature, 
seldom  flying  more  than  a few  feet  at  a time.  It  is  very  fond  of  the 


186 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


Mowers  which  bloom  at  the  time  of  year  it  makes  its  appearance,  and 
is  often  so  interested  in  its  repast  that  it  may  be  collected  by  hand. 
Mr.  Harris  says  that  the  caterpillars  live  on  Lespedeza , and  that  they 
are  oval,  convex  and  downy,  of  a pale  green  color  with  three  dark 
green  lines,  the  sides  of  the  body  reddish  and  the  head  black.  The 
chrysalis,  which  is  usually  fastened  to  a leaf,  is  at  first  pale  green, 
but  becomes  darker  afterwards.  It  is  sparingly  clothed  with  whitish 
hairs  and  there  are  three  rows  of  black  dots  on  the  back.  The 
chrysalis  state  lasts  from  nine  to  eleven  days.  This  butterfly  is  found 
in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  United  States. 

CHEysophanus.  Coppers. 

The  insects  belonging  to  this  genus  can  generally  be  separated 
from  the  other  members  of  the  family  by  the  copper-red,  orange-red 
or  brownish-red  colors  of  most  of  them.  Conspicuous  brown  or 
black  spots  usually  adorn  the  wings,  both  upper  and  under  side. 
Our  most  numerous  species  of  these  little  butterflies  inhabit  open 
fields  and  meadows  and  are  sometimes  exceedingly  abundant.  Our 
most  common  butterfly  of  this  genus  and  probably  the  most  com- 
mon butterfly  to  be  found  in  New  England  and  the  middle  states 
during  May  and  again  in  August  is  ChrysojoJianus  hypoplceas.  It 
is  very  partial  to  open  fields  where  buttercups  and  sorrel  abound, 
and  the  blossoms  are  literally  alive  with  this  pretty  little  insect 
during  its  greatest  abundance.  At  evening  they  alight  on  the  stems 
of  grasses  and  weeds  with  their  wings  tightly  closed,  and  one  may 
go  about  after  sunset  or  early  in  the  morning  and  pick  them  off  with 
the  fingers.  During  the  cool  morning  while  the  grass  is  covered 
with  dew  they  remain  quietly  suspended  from  the  stems  and  leaves 
of  plants  and  will  not  readily  take  wing.  One  advantage  of  this 
mode  of  collecting  is  that  one  need  take  only  perfect  specimens,  and 
those  taken  if  put  at  once  into  papers  are  not  liable  to  be  injured. 
Two  or  three  different  varieties  of  this  butterfly  are  to  be  found  by 
diligent  search.  In  one  the  black  spots  of  the  forward  wings  are 
almost  or  wholly  wanting.  This  variety  has  been  taken  in  some 
numbers  about  Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  In  contrast  with  this  is  a 
dark  variety,  where  the  black  spots,  of  the  upper  wings  are  very  much 
widened  and  elongated  beyond  the  normal,  covering  a good  part 
of  their  surface. 

These  varieties  are  not  numerous,  but  one  may  find  them  by  col- 
lecting large  numbers  of  specimens.  In  five  hundred  specimens  of 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


CHRYSOPHANUS  HYPOPHLEAS 


LYCiENIDiE. 


187 


this  species  collected  in  Wellesley,  Massachusetts,  during  May  of  1897, 
I took  no  very  striking  varieties  of  any  kind,  hut  in  the  same  year 
during  August  I collected  five  hundred  more,  with  the  result  of  ob- 
taining half-a-dozen  well-marked  specimens  of  the  dark  variety,  but 
not  one  of  the  light.  Whether  this  is  a sufficient  number  to  give 
an  idea  of  the  percentage  of  such  variations  I cannot  say,  but  one 
would  infer  from  this  that  the  second  brood  is  much  more  liable  to 


variation  than  the  first,  and  that  the  light  variety  with  almost  no 
spots  is  of  much  rarer  occurrence  than  the  dark  variety.  In  some  of 
the  dark  variety  the  black  almost  covers  the  entire  wing,  making  the 
insect  look  like  a totally  different  species.  The  caterpillar  of  this 
butterfly  is  longer  and  narrower  than  is  usual  with  the  larva  of 
butterflies  of  this  family,  is  covered  with  hairs,  is  reddish,  pinkish  or 
greenish  in  color  and  feeds  on  the  common  sorrel.  The  chrysalis  is 
short  and  stumpy,  like  that  of  most  of  the  species  of  the  family. 

Mr.  Packard  says  of  the  chrysalis  : “ The  head  and  thorax,  includ- 
ing the  wings,  is  dull  reddish-brown  dotted  with  black.  The  abdo- 
men is  much  lighter  with  very  distinct  and  irregular  black  dots. 
The  chrysalis  is  usually  suspended  under  a stone.”  There  are  two 
or  more  broods  in  a season.  The  geographical  range  of  the  species 
is  wide,  being  found  along  the  Atlantic  coast  southward,  throughout 
the  middle  states  and  through  Canada,  west  into  Washington  and 
in  California.  A very  closely  allied  if  not  the  same  species  occurs 
throughout  Europe. 

Our  largest  and  handsomest  species  of  this  genus  is  Chrysoplianus 
thoe,  and  an  exceedingly  fine  butterfly  it  is,  an  ornament  to  any  cab- 
inet. The  insect  expands  from  an  inch  and  a half  to  two  inches 
or  more,  the  female  being  usually  somewhat  larger  than  the  male. 

The  upper  wings  of  the  male  are  a beautiful  bronze-brown,  having 


188 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


a purplish  or  pinkish  sheen  overspreading  them,  strongest  toward  the 
outer  margin,  with  a brassy  look  nearest  the  body.  Along  the  mar- 


gin is  a band  of  dark  brown,  and  several  spots  adorn  the  middle  of 
the  wing,  varying  in  intensity  from  black  to  a very  faint  brown. 
Two  rows  of  faint  brown  spots  cross  the  wing  on  its  outer  portion. 
The  lower  wings  are  darker  than  the  upper  pair,  the  purple  reflec- 
tions extending  over  the  upper  half  only.  The  wings  are  scalloped 
along  their  lower  edges,  the  points  and  margin  being  black,  while 
between  these  black  points  is  a white  fringe.  Above  the  black  mar- 
gin and  connected  with  it  is  a row  of  roundish  black  spots,  the 
one  nearest  the  lower  angle  of  the  wing  being  double.  Above  this 


row  of  spots  and  partly  enclosing  them  is  a band  of  orange,  widest 
near  the  angle  and  narrowing  to  crescent  spots  at  the  top.  A single 
almost  black  line  is  placed  above  the  centre  of  the  wing.  The  body 
is  black,  the  antennge  are  black  tipped  with  orange,  and  like  many  of 
the  species  of  this  family,  they  are  crossed  by  numerous  fine  white 


Cbrysopliauus  tlioe.  Under  side. 


LYCJENID.E. 


189 


lines.  The  under  side  is  much  lighter  than  the  upper.  The  upper 
wings  are  light  rust-red,  still  lighter  toward  the  lower  margin  with 
gray  fringes  and  a light  gray  area  at  the  apex  extending  half-way 
down  the  outer  margin.  In  this  gray  area  are  fine,  nearly  white 
spots.  Numerous  black  spots  are  scattered  over  the  wing.  The 
lower  wings  are  light  gray,  nearly  white  along  their  inner  margin. 
Along  the  outer  margin  is  a black  line  bearing  black  points.  A 
wide  orange  band  occupies  the  lower  part  of  the  wing  and  many 
black  spots  outlined  with  white  or  very  light  gray  look  as  if  scat- 
tered at  random  over  the  wing.  The  body,  legs  and  palpi  are  white. 
The  female  differs  from  the  male  in  having  a large,  dull  orange  spot 
occupying  the  middle  of  the  upper  wing,  which  has  a wide  blackish- 


OJirysoplianus  thoe.  Female. 


brown  margin,  the  rest  of  the  wing  being  brown  without  the  purple 
reflections.  The  spots  on  the  wings  are  large  and  black.  The 
lower  wings  and  the  under  side  of  both  wings  much  resemble  those 
of  the  male  insect.  Although  I have  never  seen  this  butterfly  at  all 
numerous  in  comparison  with  the  preceding  species,  it  is  not  rare  in 
the  middle  and  western  states.  It  is  usually  to  be  found  on  bushy 
or  weedy  tracts,  especially  along  rivers  or  railroad  embankments. 
It  frequently  alights  on  the  low  weeds  which  spring  up  on  the  sandy 
bars  covered  by  high  water,  and  here  it  may  be  seen  in  July  or 
August  days,  resting  with  the  wings  half-spread  or  chasing  other 
insects  about  in  the  hot  sunshine.  It  is  not  very  shy  nor  a swift 
flyer,  so  that  one  may  often  take  it  with  the  net  while  on  the  wing. 
When  disturbed  it  flies  but  a short  distance,  and  alighting  closes  its 
wings,  remaining  motionless  to  escape  observation.  The  larva  feeds 
on  dock  and  there  are  two  broods  in  a season,  one  usually  in  May 


190 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


and  the  other  in  August.  This  insect  ranges  from  New  England, 
where  it  is  rare,  through  the  middle  and  western  states  to  the 
Rocky  Mountains. 

The  habitat  of  a certain  insect  is  sometimes  so  restricted  and  its 
favorite  haunts  so  few  and  far  between  that  one  may  dwell  within  no 
great  distance  of  it  for  a long  time  without  knowing  of  its  existence. 
Many  of  the  tiny  creatures  such  as  we  are  considering  are  shy  and 
retiring,  shunning  man  and  his  habitations  and  never  intruding  them- 
selves  upon  his  notice.  A good  many  of  the  butterflies  belonging  to 
this  great  family  of  Lyccenidce  have  to  be  carefully  and  diligently 
searched  for,  and  a collection  containing  a large  number  of  our  native 
species  carefully  collected  and  neatly  mounted  represents  a good  deal 
of  painstaking  labor  both  in  the  field  and  in  one’s  home.  Our  next 
example,  Chrysophanus  epixantJie , is  such  a little  creature,  its  colors 
blend  so  readily  with  its  surroundings  and  its  habitat  is  so  restricted 
that  it  has  been  considered  by  some  collectors  a rare  insect.  It  de- 
lights in  low  swampy  districts  where  grasses,  cranberry  vines  and 
low  bushes  cover  the  ground,  and  in  a swamp  perhaps  many  acres  in 
extent,  one  part  apparently  like  another,  it  may  be  confined  to  a few 
square  rods  of  grassy  and  bushy  water-soaked  land.  Such  a locality 
I know  not  far  from  my  home,  where,  early  in  July,  one  may  go  with 


Feniseca  tarquiuius. 


the  prospect  of  finding  this  little  butterfly  moderately  abundant.  It 
is  difficult  to  see  when  at  rest  on  a grass  stem  as  the  color  of  the 
under  side  of  the  wings,  which  are  usually  closed,  is  about  the  same 
as  that  of  the  yellow,  dried  stems  and  leaves  of  the  previous  season’s 
growth.  The  butterfly  is  not  shy  and  its  flight  is  slow  and  weak. 
When  disturbed  it  rises  but  a few  inches  above  the  grasses  and  flying 
a few  feet  alights.  When  freshly  hatched  from  the  chrysalis  the  rich 
irridescent  brownish-purple  of  the  upper  side  of  the  wings  makes  it  a 


LYCiEKTD-ZE. 


191 


beautiful  little  creature.  1 have  never  found  well-marked  varieties 
of  this  species  such  as  occur  in  ClirysopTianus  hypoplilceas.  This 
butterfly  is  found  throughout  New  England  and  the  western  states. 

A remarkably  interesting  though  usually  rare  butterfly  is  Feniseca 
tarquinius.  The  upper  wings  are  heavily  bordered  with  black  with  a 
wide,  irregular  orange  patch  containing  two  black  spots  occupying 
their  central  portion.  The  upper  half  of  the  lower  wings  is  black,  the 
lower  half  orange  with  a row  of  irregular  black  spots  along  the  lower 
margin.  The  body  is  blackish-brown.  The  under  side  is  very  differ- 


Feniseca  tarquinius.  Under  side. 


ent  in  coloring.  The  upper  wings  above  their  upper  and  outer  mar- 
gins have  a wide  band  of  light  rusty-brown.  The  lower  margin  of 
the  wings  is  gray,  while  the  interior  portion  is  light  orange.  Four 
angular  dark  reddish-brown  spots,  very  small  next  the  body  and 
growing  larger  toward  the  apex  of  the  wing,  are  placed  along  the 
upper  margin.  Two  black  spots  and  a line  running  toward  the  base 
of  the  wing  occur  farther  down.  The  lower  wings  are  reddish- 
brown,  lighter  toward  the  lower  margin,  and  almost  the  whole  surface 
is  covered  with  reddish-brown  spots  edged  with  gray.  The  markings 
vary  somewhat  in  different  specimens,  sometimes  the  black  and  again 
the  orange  predominating.  The  body  and  legs  are  light  gray. 
Although  this  insect  inhabits  almost  the  whole  country  east  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains  I have  never  seen  it  abundant.  I once  took  a 
dozen  or  fifteen  specimens  early  in  June  along  the  road  leading 
from  Jackson,  New  Hampshire,  to  Mount  Washington.  They  were 
at  rest  near  puddles  of  water  in  the  road,  and  one  or  two  were  set- 
tled on  horse  dung.  I found  them  exceedingly  shy  and  very  rapid 
on  the  wing.  Their  colors  are  such  that  unless  one  kept  his  eye  con- 
stantly on  the  alert  he  would  scarcely  see  one  at  all,  much  less  catch 
one  in  a net  while  on  the  wing.  When  disturbed  they  would  fly  into 


192 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


the  woods  high  up  among  the  branches  of  the  trees  and  would  soon 
be  lost  to  view.  I found  by  walking  very  slowly  over  the  road  and 
carefully  scanning  every  wet  place  and  every  heap  of  dung,  I could 
see  these  shy,  alert  creatures  before  they  became  frightened  and  took 
wing,  and  in  this  way  procured  a good  number.  Sometimes  while  I 
was  approaching  stealthily  what  looked  like  a tiny  line  of  brown  on 
the  road  a butterfly  of  some  other  kind  would  sail  past  and  away 
would  go  my  intended  prize  after  the  new  comer,  chasing  him  per- 
haps several  rods  down  the  road.  I found  if  1 remained  standing 
quietly  by  he  was  very  likely  to  return  soon.  The  place  where  these 
butterflies  were  to  be  seen  did  not  occupy  over  a quarter  of  a mile  of 
the  road,  and  1 found  them  in  the  same  place  when  returning  from 
the  mountain  a week  later.  The  most  interesting  thing  in  connec- 
tion with  (ins  butterfly  is  that  the  larva  is  carniverous  (a  very 
unusual  thing  among  the  Lepidoptera ) and  feeds  on  the  colonies 
of  woolly  plant-lice  inhabiting  the  alder.  The  larva,  according  to 
French,  is  green  with  three  white  stripes  down  the  back.  Besides 
the  specimens  mentioned  taken  in  New  Hampshire,  I have  one  from 
Wellesley,  Massachusetts,  and  two  from  Gainesville,  Virginia. 


thecla.  Hair  streaks. 

The  large  genus  Thecla , (he  “ Hairstreaks,”  next  engages  our 
attention  and  in  the  eastern  half  of  our  country  is  well  represented. 
While  we  have  no  members  of  this  genus  to  equal  in  coloring  some 
of  the  resplendent  creatures  which  inhabit  the  hot  valleys  of  the 
Andes  or  rival  many  from  Mexico  or  Central  America,  still  we  have  a 
number  that  are  both  interesting  and  beautiful.  Many  of  the  species 
of  this  genus  have  one  or  more  delicate  prolongations  or  tails  to  the 
lower  wings.  These  in  some  of  the  tropical  insects  of  this  group  are 
long  and  curved  and  add  much  to  the  beauty  and  oddity  of  the  speci- 
mens. The  males  usually  have  a dark  oval  patch  of  color  near  the 
upper  margin  of  the  upper  wings.  This  is  generally  quite  distinct 
and  easily  seen.  Most  of  our  native  species  are  of  different  shades  of 
brown  with  fine  lines  and  markings  beneath  and  with  bright  patches 
of  color,  strongest  on  the  under  side  near  the  inner  angle  of  the 
lower  wings.  In  some  species  the  thorax  is  strong  and  stout,  furnish- 
ing powerful  muscles  to  work  the  usually  short  wings.  Many  of 
these  insects  are  swift  flyers  although  they  do  not  generally  make 
long  flights.  They  are  usually  most  abundant  on  the  edges  of  forests, 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


GHRYSOPHANUS  EPIXANTHE 


LYCXENIIUE. 


193 


and  the  sweet-smelling  flowers  to  be  found  in  such  localities  are  a 
great  attraction  to  them.  About  twenty  species  are  native  of  the 
eastern  half  of  our  country. 


Thecla  lialesus. 

One  of  our  most  gorgeous  insects  belonging  to  this  genus  is 
Thecla  lialesus , and  when  gazing  on  its  rich  and  brilliantly  colored 
wings,  one  can  hardly  believe  it  is  other  than  an  inhabitant  of  tropi- 
cal countries. 

It  is  rather  stout-bodied.  The  ripper  wings  of  the  male  are 
intense  shining  blue  changing  to  purple  or  greenish  according  to  the 
light  in  which  it  is  held,  with  a heavy  black  band  extending  along 
the  outer  margin  and  for  a short  distance  along  the  upper  margin 
near  the  tip  of  the  wing.  A large  black  sex  mark  is  located  just 
below  the  middle  of  the  upper  edge  of  the  wing.  The  lower  wings 
are  also  blue,  with  a wide  black  patch  at  the  upper  angle  and  a wide 
band  of  black  shading  into  greenish  gray  towards  its  upper  part,  on 
the  inner  margin.  There  is  one  long  pointed  tail  on  each  of  the 
lower  wings,  with  a very  short  one  scarcely  more  than  a point 
just  above  it.  Near  the  base  of  the  long  tail  is  a shining  metallic 
greenish  spot  changing  to  bronze  toward  its  inner  end,  and  also  a 
little  spot  of  the  same  color  near  the  base  of  the  little  tail.  The 
head  is  black,  with  three  silvery  dots  above  and  two  silvery  lines 
along  the  base  of  the  palpi.  The  antennae  are  of  the  same  color; 
the  body  a brilliant  shining  blue  shading  to  black  toward  the  tip  of 
the  abdomen. 

The  female  is  usually  larger  than  the  male,  and  much  more  sombre 
in  coloring.  The  most  striking  difference,  however,  is  in  the  tails  or 
delicate  prolongation  of  the  lower  wings.  The  upper  pair  are  of 
moderate  length,  and  about  what  one  would  expect  in  a butterfly  of 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


I 94 

this  size.  'Die  lower  pair  however,  are  very  long  and  slender,  and 
out  of  all  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  wings.  On  this  account,  and 
the  size  of  the  insect,  none  other  of  our  native  butterflies  are  at  all 


Thecla  halesus.  Female. 

likely  to  be  confused  with  this  species.  The  upper  wings  are  sooty 
black  on  the  outer  two-thirds  of  their  area,  the  inner  third  being  a 
dull  metallic  greenish  blue,  blending  into  the  black.  This  coloring 
also  extends  diagonally  across  the  lower  wing  from  the  body  to  near 
the  base  of  the  tails.  Two  elongated  blue  spots  and  one  nearly  round 
bronze  spot  are  enclosed  in  a black  area  near  the  base  of  the  tails. 
The  tails  are  black. 


Thecla  halesns.  Female.  Under  side. 


The  under  side  of  the  wings  of  both  sexes  is  much  alike.  The 
upper  are  brown,  slightly  lighter  on  the  lower  half,  with  two  white 
dots  and  one  orange  red  spot  near  the  base  of  the  wing.  A black 


LYCiENIDJE. 


195 


fringe  extends  along  the  outer  margin.  The  lower  wings  are 
slightly  darker  brown  than  the  upper  pair,  sometimes  having  a deli- 
cate violet  tinge  on  the  upper  portion.  Near  the  base  of  the  wing- 
are  several  white  dots  and  two  orange  red  spots.  An  area  about  the 
lower  angle  of  the  wing  is  black,  and  the  tails  and  the  fringe  along 
the  outer  margin  are  also  black.  A row  of  metallic  violet  or  purple 
blue  spots  extends  along  the  lower  margin  of  the  wing,  just  inside  of 
the  black  fringe  and  above  the  base  of  the  tails.  Two  rows  of  shin- 
ing green  spots,  the  lower  row  ending  in  a long  spot  of  bluish  purple 
next  the  inner  margin,  extend  nearly  across  the  wing  in  its  lower 
portion  and  separate  the  brown  from  the  black  area.  The  head, 
thorax  and  legs  are  black  with  numerous  tine  white  dots,  and  the 
abdomen  is  orange  red  tipped  with  black. 

This  handsome  butterfly  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  southern  states 
and  Mexico.  It  is  occasionally  taken  as  far  north  as  southern  Ohio 
and  Illinois,  and  westward  in  California.  It  is  not  a rare  insect  in 
Florida  early  in  March,  my  brother  having  seen  and  taken  speci- 
mens near  Jacksonville  in  that  month.  It  is  a strong  and  rapid  flyer, 
frequently  alighting,  but  rather  shy,  and  difficult  to  take  with  the 
net.  In  Florida  it  is  to  be  found  in  sandy  districts  on  the  edges  of 
forests.  It  frequently  circles  about  the  trees  and  when  frightened 
flies  up  and  alights  on  twigs  high  up  out  of  reach.  I have  several 
fine  specimens  from  Tennessee  which  are  at  least  a third  larger  than 
those  taken  by  my  brother  in  Florida.  It  is  from  these  Tennessee 
specimens  that  the  illustrations  are  made. 

The  larva  I have  never  seen  and  know  nothing  of  its  habits.  It 
is  said  to  feed  on  the  leaves  of  the  oak. 


Thecla  smilacis. 

A rather  rare  Thecla , and  one  which  differs  in  a striking  manner 
from  our  other  native  species,  is  Theda  smilacis.  It  is  a double- 
tailed species,  the  upper  pair  of  prolongations  being  exceedingly  fine 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


196 

and  hair-like,  and  showing  at  a casual  glance  scarcely  more  than  a 
point.  The  lower  tails  are  larger  and  longer.  There  is  some  dif- 
ference in  coloring  between  the  sexes,  the  female  being  usually  plain 
brown  in  color,  while  in  the  male  the  middle  of  each  wing  is  tawny 
or  rusty  with  a border  of  dark  brown.  The  tails  are  black,  tipped 
with  white,  and  the  body  is  dark  brown ; but  the  distinguishing 
characteristic  is  the  color  of  the  under  side,  which  in  both  sexes 


Tliecla  smilacis.  Under  side. 

is  green.  In  the  upper  wings  the  green  color  is  most  intense  near 
their  base  and  at  the  tip,  the  lower  half  of  the  wing  being  rusty 
brown.  Two  rows  of  white  dots,  internally  edged  with  reddish 
brown,  cross  the  upper  wings,  fading  out  toward  the  lower  margin 
of  the  wing.  The  lower  wings  have  three  bands  of  white,  the  inner 
one  next  the  body  being  short  and  composed  of  three  white  spots 
edged  externally  with  rusty  brown ; the  middle  one  extends  in  a 
wavy  line  across  the  centre  of  the  wing,  and  is  composed  of  large 
white  spots,  having  spots  of  rusty  brown  on  the  inner  side ; the 
outer  band  is  narrow  and  follows  the  outer  margin  of  the  wing,  being- 
edged  internally  with  gray  and  externally  with  dark  brown.  A 
small  black  spot  is  located  at  the  end  of  this  line,  just  at  the 
inner  angle  of  the  wing,  and  has  a white  crescent  above  it.  Between 
the  outer  and  middle  white  lines  are  two  very  small  crescents  of 
black,  the  lower  one  having  a faint  orange  spot  below  it  with  a 
black  dot  below  that.  The  body  and  legs  are  gray.  I have  never 
seen  this  insect  at  all  abundant  and  have  taken  it  on  but  two  or 
three  occasions  near  my  home  in  Massachusetts.  It  is  a difficult 
little  creature  to  see  when  at  rest  on  the  shrubs  and  bushes,  among 
which  it  delights,  and  when  disturbed  it  flies  in  such  a rapid 
and  jerky  manner  that  the  eye  can  scarcely  follow  it.  I have  taken 
it  early  in  June  flying  about  scrub  oaks  and  young  cedars,  and 
am  inclined  to  think  the  larva  lives  on  the  latter  plant,  although 


LYO.EXin.E. 


197 


I have  never  been  so  fortunate  as  to  find  it.  The  species  inhabits 
most  of  the  country  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  south  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

A very  delicately  and  prettily  marked  little  butterfly  is  Theda 
poeas , an  inhabitant  of  the  southern  and  southwestern  states.  The 
upper  wings  are  sooty  black,  with  no  markings  whatever  in  the 
ordinary  form  except  that  the  upper  edge  of  the  wing  is  red, 
although  a specimen  is  occasionally  taken  with  a few  blue  scales 


Tliecla  poeas. 

scattered  near  the  base  of  the  wings.  The  lower  wings  are  also 
black,  with  a conspicuous  wedge-shaped  blue  patch  extending  from 
the  base  to  near  the  lower  margin,  widening  as  it  advances.  Two 
black  spots  are  located  near  the  base  of  the  tails,  with  a fine  grayish 
blue  line  below  them.  In  this  species,  as  in  most  of  the  butterflies 
of  this  genus,  the  lower  pair  of  tails  is  the  larger.  Both  pairs  are 


Tliecla  poeas.  Under  side. 


black,  tipped  with  white.  The  body  is  black.  The  under  wings 
are  grayish  brown,  lighter  toward  the  lower  margin  of  the  upper 
wings,  the  red  upper  edge  of  the  upper  margin  showing  more  dis- 
tinctly from  below.  A reddish  orange  band  composed  of  nearly 
square  spots  placed  close  together  extends  two-thirds  across  the 
upper  wings,  beginning  at  the  outer  third  of  the  upper  margin.  This 


198 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


band  is  edged  externally  with  a very  narrow  line  of  black,  and  out- 
side; this  is  another  line  of  white.  A line  of  faint  dark  spots  fading 
out  toward  the  upper  margin  may  be  traced  between  the  strongly 
colored  orange  band  and  the  margin,  and  a single  elongated  spot 
is  located  above  the  centre  of  the  wing.  On  the  lower  wings  the 
band  of  reddish  orange  spots,  similar  to  tire  one  on  the  upper 
wings,  extends  in  a zigzag  manner  across  the  wing.  Between  the 
base  of  the  tails  is  a large  black  spot  with  an  orange  crescent  above 
it.  A small  black  spot  with  two  vague  white  spots  above  it  is 
located  at  the  inner  angle,  and  between  this  and  the  large  one  is 
a blue  gray  spot.  A fine  black  line  extends  along  the  lower 
margin  with  a delicate  white  line  above  it.  There  is  also  a line 
of  faint  dark  crescents,  the  lower  one  having  an  orange  line  exter- 
nally, extending  from  the  large  black  spot  to  the  upper  angle  of 
the  lower  wing.  The  thorax  and  legs  are  gray,  the  abdomen 
whitish. 

In  Florida  and  the  Gulf  states,  this  butterfly  is  generally  not 
rare  in  February  and  March,  and  may  be  taken  in  the  same  localities 
inhabited  by  Theda  halesus.  It  is  not  wild  and  may  be  captured  in 
the  hands  if  caution  is  exercised.  When  frightened,  however,  it  can 
fly  rapidly,  but  after  circling  about  for  a few  moments  soon  alights, 
often  returning  to  the  spot  which  it  occupied  before  it  was  disturbed. 


Tliecla  calanus. 


Probably  our  most  common  species  of  this  genus  is  Theda 
calanus.,  and  although  I have  never  seen  it  in  any  such  numbers  as 
one  may  often  see  species  of  our  commoner  butterflies,  still  in 
favored  localities  it  is  sometimes  abundant.  The  upper  side  of 
the  wings  is  dark  blackish  brown,  the  male  having  the  usual  oval 
disc  near  the  upper  margin.  There  is  one  moderately  long  tail 
and  an  exceedingly  fine  and  short  one.  Both  are  black  and  tipped 
with  white.  Near  the  base  of  the  tails,  and  extending-  to  the  inner 


LYCiENIDiE. 


199 


angle  of  the  wing,  is  a narrow  black  line  edged  on  both  sides  with 
a faint  white  line.  There  is  a black  spot  at  the  inner  angle, 
and  a dim  orange  red  spot  edged  externally  with  black  above  and 
between  the  base  of  the  tails.  The  body  is  of  the  same  color  as  the 
wings. 

The  under  side  of  the  wing  is  lighter  than  the  upper.  Two 
lines  of  elongated  dark  brown  spots,  close  together,  cross  the  upper 
wing.  The  outer  line  is  very  faint,  both  above  and  below  the 
middle,  edged  internally  with  white;  the  inner  line  is  more  dis- 
tinct, and  is  edged  externally  with  a fine  line  of  white.  One  dark 
brown  spot  is  situated  above  the  middle  of  the  wing,  and  is  edged 


Thecla  calanus.  Under  side. 


on  both  sides  with  faint  whitish  lines.  On  the  lower  wings  the 
two  lines  of  spots  are  continued,  but  the  outer  one  is  much  more  dis- 
tinct than  the  inner,  being  composed  of  black  crescents  edged 
internally  with  white.  Tins  line  is  very  irregular  and  runs  in  a 
zigzag  manner  above  the  base  of  the  tails.  The  inner  line  is  edged 
externally  with  white,  as  on  the  upper  wing,  both  lines  curving 
upward  toward  the  end  of  the  abdomen  on  the  inner  margin. 
There  is  a conspicuous  black  spot  between  the  base  of  the  tails  and 
another  at  the  inner  angle.  A tine  white  line  runs  from  the  latter 
spot  along  the  outer  margin  and  fades  out  toward  the  upper  angle. 
A large  blue  gray  spot  is  placed  between  the  two  black  spots.  A 
large  deep  orange  crescent  with  a smaller  one  placed  farther  upon 
the  wing  will  be  seen  above  the  first  black  spot,  and  an  orange  line 
is  located  above  the  black  spot  at  the  inner  angle.  The  thorax 
and  legs  are  blue  gray,  and  the  abdomen  is  whitish  with  brown  at 
the  tip. 

In  the  latter  part  of  June  and  early  July  this  butterfly  makes  its 
appearance  in  the  northern  part  of  this  country.  It  is  not  at  all  shy 
or  wild,  and  when  settled  on  its  favorite  flowers  may  be  picked  oft 


200 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


with  the  fingers.  Like  many  other  insects  it  is  very  partial  to  the 
blossoms  of  the  different  kinds  of  milkweeds,  deliberately  moving 
about  over  the  clusters  of  flowers  and  extracting  their  honey,  paying 
not  the  slightest  attention  to  the  bees,  wasps,  beetles  and  flies  that 
usually  swarm  about  these  strong-smelling  blossoms.  One  of  my 
brothers  had  the  good  fortune  early  in  July  to  find  a locality  in  Con- 
cord, Mass.,  where  this  and  two  or  three  other  species  of  Theda  were 
very  abundant,  and  where  he  obtained  a large  number  in  a short 
space  of  time.  They  were  first  seen  on  the  roadside,  but  on  entering 
the  scrub  an  open  space  was  found,  of  perhaps  half  an  acre  in  extent, 
in  which  many  plants  were  in  bloom.  On  the  flowers  rested  dozens 
of  specimens  of  this  and  the  following  species,  most  of  them  in  very 
perfect  condition.  Specimens  of  Theda  titus  were  also  seen  and  cap- 
tured, but  they  were  very  wild  and  had  to  be  approached  in  the  most 
careful  manner.  The  finding  of  such  a locality  as  this  is  a veritable 
mine  to  the  collector,  who  may  here  lay  in  a supply  of  perfect  speci- 
mens with  which  to  exchange  witli  other  collectors  for  their  duplicate 
specimens.  One  gentleman  with  whom  I am  acquainted,  living  not 
far  from  my  home,  has  in  this  way  obtained  a very  fine  collection 
numbering  many  hundreds  if  not  thousands  of  both  native  and  exotic 
butterflies  and  moths,  never  having  procured  a specimen  except  in 
exchange. 

The  larva  of  Theda  calanus  feeds  on  the  oak.  The  species  inhab- 
its the  eastern  half  of  the  country,  except  the  extreme  south.  It  also 
runs  well  up  into  Canada. 


Tliecla  edwardsii. 

A closely  allied  insect,  inhabiting  the  same  localities  and  easily 
mistaken  for  the  preceding  species,  is  Theda  edwardsii.  This  butter- 
fly also  lias  two  tails,  although  the  upper  pair  are  scarcely  more  than 
points.  The  general  color  of  the  upper  side  is  not  so  dark  a brown 
as  in  Theda  calanus.  There  is  the  same  black  line  along  the  lower 
margin  of  the  lower  wings,  edged  with  white.  Above  and  between 


LYCUENID.E. 


201 


the  base  of  the  tails  is  a tawny  spot,  which  in  some  specimens  is 
prominent  and  in  others  is  so  dim  as  to  he  scarcely  noticeable.  The 
under  side  is  lighter  brown  than  the  upper,  the  spots  arranged  in  two 
rows  on  both  sets  of  wings  much  the  same  as  in  the  preceding,  except 
that  they  are  farther  apart  and  the  white  lines  encircle  the  brown 
spots  on  the  inner  row,  although  they  are  much  more  prominent  on 
the  outer  side.  Several  crescents  of  deep  orange,  edged  internally 
with  black,  extend  from  the  base  of  the  lower  tail  to  within  a short 
distance  of  the  upper  angle  in  the  lower  wing,  and  a large  blue  spot 
is  located  between  the  base  of  the  lower  tail  and  the  inner  angle, 
where  there  is  a black  spot. 


Thecla  edwardsii.  Under  side. 


The  tails  are  black,  tipped  with  white,  and  a small  black  spot, 
with  a point  in  the  middle  extending  upward,  is  located  above  the 
base  of  the  tails.  A fine  black  and  white  line  follows  the  lower  mar- 
gin of  the  wing  from  the  black  spot  at  the  lower  angle  to  the  upper 
angle.  The  thorax  is  gray,  the  legs  nearly  white,  and  the  abdomen 
light  brown. 

This  butterfly,  although  usually  less  abundant,  inhabits  the  same 
localities  and  may  be  taken  at  the  same  time  as  the  preceding  species. 
The  remarks  as  already  written  in  regard  to  the  habits  of  one  apply 
equally  well  to  the  other. 

Another  double-tailed  species,  which  I have  found  rather  rare  and 
difficult  to  obtain  in  perfect  condition,  is  Thecla  strigosa.  The  upper 
side  is  dark  brown,  and  in  the  female  a large  patch  of  tawny  orange 
occupies  the  middle  of  each  fore  wing.  This  spot  is  almost  if  not 
wholly  wanting  in  the  male.  A faint  tawny  spot  with  a black  spot 
below  it  is  placed  between  the  base  of  the  tails  in  the  lower  wings, 
and  a black  line  edged  with  a faint  line  of  white  extends  from  the 
base  of  the  upper  tail  to  a black  spot  at  the  inner  angle.  The  tails 
are  black,  tipped  with  white.  The  body  is  dark  brown.  The  under 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


202 


side  is  prettily  marked  with  wavy  white  lines,  the  outer  line  of  both 
wings  being  edged  externally  with  black  crescents.  A black  spot  is 
situated  on  the  lower  wings  between  the  base  of  the  tails,  and  another 


Thecla  strigosa. 


one  at  the  inner  angle.  Between  these  two  is  the  usual  blue  gray 
spot.  A row  of  orange  red  crescents,  gradually  becoming  smaller 
toward  the  upper  part,  extends  above  these  spots  from  the  inner 


Thecla  strigosa.  Under  side. 


angle  toward  the  upper  angle  of  the  wing.  The  thorax  is  gray,  and 
the  legs  grayish  white,  the  abdomen  being  yellowish  white.  Packard 
says  that  the  larva  is  downy  and  of  a rich  velvety  green,  obliquely 
striped  on  the  sides  with  faint  yellow  lines,  and  that  it  feeds  on  the 
thorn. 

I have  captured  a few  specimens  of  this  butterfly  in  Massa- 
chusetts late  in  July,  and  have  had  others  sent  me  from  Canada. 
This  insect  inhabits  the  eastern  half  of  the  country.  Those  that  I 
found  were  among  low  shrubs  and  bushes  and  often  in  company 
with  Theda  calanus , though  they  were  much  more  shy,  and  when 
alarmed  flew  rapidly  away  and  were  seldom  seen  again.  The  white 
lines  on  the  under  side  render  the  insect  quite  easily  identified 
from  the  other  butterflies  with  which  it  is  likely  to  be  found, 
and  one  may  move  cautiously  about  where  they  are  feeding  or 


LYCiENIDJE. 


203 


sporting  in  the  sunshine,  and  pick  out  the  kinds  which  are  most 
desired. 

Still  another  of  our  native  double-tailed  insects  belonging  to  this 
genus  and  inhabiting  all  the  upper  part  of  the  eastern  half  of  the 
country  is  Theda  humuli.  The  upper  side  is  sooty  brown,  sometimes 
blackish  or  bluish,  particularly  on  the  lower  wings.  The  upper  wings 
have  no  marks  of  any  kind  except  the  usual  sex  mark  in  the  males. 
The  lower  wings  have  two  delicate  tails  on  each,  the  lower  pair  being 
much  the  longer.  These  are  black,  tipped  with  white.  Between  the 
base  of  the  tails  is  a black  spot,  and  above  this  a large,  orange  red 
crescent.  Two  or  three  dim  bluish  spots  are  located  between  this 
orano-e  crescent  and  the  inner  anode  of  the  winp'.  A narrow  black 

o o o 

line,  edged  internally  with  a faint  whitish  line,  runs  from  the  base 
of  the  upper  tail  to  near  the  inner  angle,  where  there  is  usually  a 


Thecla  humuli. 

faint  orange  spot.  The  eyes  are  brown,  the  front  part  of  the  head 
white,  the  thorax  and  upper  part  of  the  abdomen  bluish  black,  the 
latter  tipped  with  reddish  brown. 


Thecla  liumuli.  Under  side. 


The  under  side  of  the  wing  is  a delicate  light  grayish  brown. 
The  upper  margin  of  the  fore  wing  along  the  inner  half  is  tinged 
with  red,  and  two  lines  of  blackish  spots  are  placed  on  the  outer  third 
of  the  wing.  The  outer  line  is  faint,  and  fades  out  completely  at 


204 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


both  ends  before  reaching  the  upper  or  lower  margin;  the  inner  line 
is  composed  of  more  distinct  spots,  and  extends  from  the  upper  mar- 
gin half-way  across  the  wing,  where  it  abruptly  ends.  These  spots  are 
edged  externally  with  white.  These  two  lines  of  spots  cross  the 
lower  wings,  approaching  each  other  closely  where  they  end  at  the 
inner  margin.  At  the  inner  angle  is  a distinct  black  spot,  and  another 
one  is  placed  above  and  between  the  base  of  the  tails.  Conspicuous 
orange  spots,  with  a gray  one  between  them,  are  located  above  these 
black  spots.  A narrow  black  line,  edged  internally  with  white, 
extends  along  the  outer  margin  from  the  spot  at  the  inner  angle 
to  the  upper  angle  of  the  wing.  The  body  and  legs  are  light  gray, 
almost  white. 

This  pretty  little  butterfly  is  not  rare  in  July  and  August, 
and  may  frequently  be  found  about  flowering  plants  at  that  time 
of  year.  According  to  my  observations  it  is  most  abundant  along 
the  borders  of  lakes  and  rivers,  but  this  is  doubtless  because  the 
flowering  plants  from  which  it  extracts  honey  are,  in  our  culti- 
vated districts,  only  allowed  to  grow  freely  in  such  places.  The  larva 
is  green  and  downy,  and  may  be  found  feeding  on  the  hop  vine.  It 
is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  country. 


Tliecla  titus. 

Theda  titus  is  a handsome  tailless  species,  having  a range  over 
the  country  east  of  the  Rock}''  Mountains,  extending  north  into 
Canada.  The  upper  surface  is  dark  brown  with  brassy  reflections, 
the  body  being  blackish  with  a slightly  green  shade.  The  upper 
wings  are  without  markings,  except  a grayish  oval  sex  mark  near  the 
upper  margin  in  the  male.  On  the  lower  wings  a fringe  of  white 
hairs  extends  along  the  inner  margin  from  their  base,  half-way  to  the 
inner  angle.  A faint  whitish  line,  edged  internally  with  black,  runs 
from  the  inner  angle  a short  distance  along  the  outer  margin.  On 
the  under  side  the  wings  are  somewhat  lighter  with  more  of  a red- 


LYO.ENITUT’. 


205 


dish  cast,  next  the  body  being  slightly  greenish,  but  lacking  the 
brassy  reflections  of  the  upper  side.  A row  of  small  black  spots, 
edged  externally  with  gray,  run  more  than  half  across  the  upper 
wing  from  the  outer  third  of  the  upper  margin.  A row  of  three  or 
four  minute  black  dots  are  placed  between  this  row  and  the  outer 
margin.  On  the  lower  wings  is  a row  of  bold,  orange  red  spots,  edged 
internally  first  with  black  and  then  with  white,  extending  from 
the  upper  margin  near  the  upper  angle  to  near  the  inner  angle. 
A narrow  black  line  runs  from  the  inner  anode  along-  the  outer 
margin,  growing  fainter  toward  the  upper  angle.  A straggling- 
row  of  black  dots,  edged  outwardly  with  white,  partly  cross  the 
wing  beginning  about  the  middle  of  the  upper  margin.  The  thorax 
is  bluish  gray,  the  legs  whitish.  The  abdomen  is  yellowish  white, 
but  brown  at  the  tip. 

A more  agile  and  wary  little  butterfly  than  this  it  would  be 
difficult  to  find.  While  on  the  wing  it  moves  so  rapidly  and 
darts  about  in  such  a manner,  that  one  can  hardly  keep  it  in  sight. 


Thecla  titus.  Under  side. 


It  is  frequently  to  be  met  with  in  July,  on  flowering  weeds  in  com- 
pany with  other  kinds  of  Thecla , but  one  must  move  cautiously 
and  strike  quickly  with  the  net  to  capture  it.  While  in  pursuit 
of  the  different  species  of  Argynnis  along  the  meadows,  I have 
occasionally  run  across  this  butterfly,  but  have  never  seen  it  very 
abundant.  French  describes  the  larva  as  dull  green  in  color  and 
covered  with  very  short  brown  hairs.  It  feeds  on  wild  cherry 
and  plum.  Inhabits  the  greater  part  of  the  whole  country,  but  is 
not  very  common. 

A species  not  possessing  tails,  but  furnished  with  several  tooth- 
like  projections  on  the  lower  wings,  is  Thecla  irus.  The  body  and 
wings  on  the  upper  side  are  dark  brown  without  markings,  save  that 
on  the  lower  wings  the  prolongations  are  tipped  with  black,  and  a 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


206 


narrow  black  line  runs  from  the  inner  angle  along  the  outer  margin 
to  the  upper  angle.  On  the  under  side  the  inner  two-thirds  of  the 
upper  wings  is  dark  reddish  brown,  edged  externally  on  the  upper 


Thecla  inis. 


portion  with  a white  line.  The  outer  third  is  light  reddish  brown 
darker  toward  the  margin,  and  containing'  a few  faint  dark  brown 
spots.  A hand  along  the  lower  margin  of  the  wing  is  grayish 
brown.  On  the  lower  wings  next  the  body  is  an  area  of  dark  gray, 
with  an  irregular  dark  reddish  brown  patch,  which  commences 
wide  at  the  upper  margin  and  ends  in  a point  at  the  middle  of  the 


Thecla  inis.  Under  side. 


inner  margin.  The  remainder  of  the  wing  is  occupied  by  a gray 
area,  brownish  toward  the  upper  margin,  where  it  encloses  a few 
vague  brown  spots.  The  projections  on  the  wings  are  dark  brown, 
and  a small  black  spot  is  located  above  the  base  of  the  lower  pair. 
A few  brown  spots  are  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  gray  area, 
extending  in  a row  from  the  inner  margin  to  just  above  the  black 
spot.  1 have  taken  this  butterfly  but  rarely  in  eastern  Massachu- 
setts, and  have  had  specimens  sent  me  from  Ontario.  It  is  found 
throughout  the  eastern,  middle  and  western  states. 

Another  tailless  variety,  but  having  points  on  the  lower  wing, 
is  Thecla  niphon.  The  upper  side  is  reddish  brown,  blackish  on  the 
margin  of  the  wings.  In  the  female  the  middle  of  the  fore  wings 


LYCJENIDJE. 


207 


and  the  lower  part  of  the  lower  wings  is  occupied  by  a large  patch  of 
rusty  brown.  This  color  is  wanting  in  the  male,  except  on  the  lower 
wings  near  the  lower  angle.  The  margin  of  the  upper  wing  is  com- 
posed of  a yellowish  fringe,  black  dotted,  and  the  projections  on  the 
lower  wings  are  black  with  a yellowish  fringe  between  them.  The 


Tliecla  niplion. 


under  side  of  the  wings  is  reddish  brown  with  numerous  reddish, 
black  and  white;  lines  and  spots  covering  their  surfaces,  arranged  in 
a zigzag  pattern,  the  detail  of  which  may  be  better  understood  by 
reference  to  the  illustration  than  by  any  written  description.  The 
effect  is  pleasing  and  is  probably  protective,  rendering  the  butterfly 


Thecla  niplion.  Under  side. 


less  easily  seen  by  its  enemies.  This  butterfly  makes  its  appearance 
early  in  the  season,  and  in  the  latter  part  of  April  and  early  in  May 
is  to  be  met  with  on  warm  days  along  roads  or  paths,  through  forests 
or  tracts  of  scrub  oaks  and  pines.  It  is  a lively  little  creature,  like  so 
many  other  members  of  this  interesting  genus,  and  may  frequently 
be  seen  in  numbers  of  three  or  four  chasing  each  other  about  in  the 
warm  sunshine.  When  at  rest,  on  account  of  its  resemblance  to  a 
fragment  of  dried  leaf,  it  is  not  easily  seen,  and  one  must  work 
quickly  to  take  it  with  the  net  as  it  flits  past.  The  larva  feeds  on 
the  pine  and  is  green  in  color  with  a white  stripe  on  each  side,  and 


•208 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


one  of  yellow  down  the  middle  of  the  back.  The  insect  inhabits  the 
eastern,  middle  and  western  states. 


Xhecla  augustus. 


Theda  augustus  is  a common  little  butterfly  throughout  New 
lhig’land  early  in  the  spring,  and  is  often  seen  on  the  wing  soon  after 
the  snow  has  left.  The  lower  wings  are  slightly  scalloped,  and  a 
prominent  rounded  projection  is  located  at  the  inner  angle.  The 
upper  surface  is  wholly  dark  brown  without  markings  of  any  kind. 
On  the  under  side  the  upper  wings  are  yellowish  brown  on  their 


Thecla  augustus.  Under  side. 


outer  third,  while  a broad  area  of  reddish  brown,  outlined  with  a 
faint  black  mark,  occupies  most  of  the  remainder  of  the  surface,  the 
lower  margin  being  grayish.  The  outer  half  of  the  lower  wings  is 
reddish  brown,  with  a row  of  small  black  dots  running  through  the 
middle  from  the  upper  to  the  lower  margin.  The  basal  half  of  the 
wing  is  dark  reddish  brown,  with  an  irregular  outline,  edged  with  a 
faint  black  line.  The  body  and  legs  are  gray. 

It  is  frequently  found  in  company  with  Theda  niphon.  It  is  not 
a rapid  flyer  in  comparison  with  other  species  of  this  genus,  but  it  is 
so  small  and  plain  in  color  that  it  is  liable  to  escape  observation. 

This  genus  of  Theda  is  so  well  represented  in  our  country,  some 
species  are  so  exquisitely  colored,  the  shapes  and  habits  of  many 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


LIBYTHEA  BACHMAN! 


LYCEENIM.E. 


209 


of  the  larvae  are  so  different  from  those  of  other  butterflies,  that  it  is 
a group  of  unusual  interest  to  the  collector.  Then,  too,  the  life-his- 
tories of  several  of  the  species  are  still  unknown,  or  only  known  in  a 
very  imperfect  manner.  On  account  of  their  small  size,  the  extreme 
wariness,  and  also  the  rarity  of  some  of  the  species,  careful  observa- 
tion and  patience  are  requisite  to  their  capture  and  study,  but  the 
hours  never  seem  long  or  the  time  ill-spent  to  him  who  is  keenly 
interested  in  the  pursuit  and  study  of  these  minute  but  fascinating 
creatures. 

The  genus  Libythcea  is  distinguished  by  having  short  angular 
wings  and  very  long  pointed  palpi,  extending  out  beyond  the  head 
in  such  a manner  that  the  butterflies  belonging  to  this  genus  have 
earned  the  common  names  of  “ Long  beaks”  and  “ Snout  butterflies.” 
The  males  have  but  four  well-developed  legs  (thus  showing  their 
close  relationship  to  the  Satyridce  and  the  Nymphalidce, ),  while  the 
females  have  six. 

The  insects  are  of  different  shades  of  brown,  with  yellowish  and 
whitish  markings.  We  have  but  three  species  in  the  United  States, 
while  but  one  of  these,  Libythcea  baclimanni , inhabits  the  eastern  half 
of  the  country. 

This  butterfly  varies  a good  deal  in  coloring,  some  specimens 
being  much  lighter  and  more  reddish  than  others.  The  markings, 
also,  of  the  under  side  are  distinct  and  clear  cut  in  some,  and  very 
vague  in  other  specimens. 

I have  never  observed  this  butterfly  in  New  England,  but  in  the 
west  and  south  it  is  not  rare,  and  Packard  states  that  it  is  found  in 
Central  America  and  the  West  Indies.  I have  taken  it  early  in 
August  in  some  numbers,  at  Batesville,  Arkansas.  Here,  along  the 
pebbly  shore  of  the  White  River,  a good  many  specimens  could  be 
seen,  standing  with  their  wings  erect,  and  sipping  the  moisture  from 
wet  spots  in  the  bed.  They  were  excessively  shy  and  difficult  to 
capture,  and  when  alarmed  flew  very  rapidly,  but  soon  alighted. 
They  did  not  mingle  with  the  other  butterflies,  which  in  places  were 
crowded  together  in  dozens,  but  always  alighted  on  the  water-worn 
stones  well  out  toward  the  river. 

The  larva  is  dark  green,  without  spines,  but  having  many  light 
yellow  points,  giving  it  a rough  appearance.  According  to  French, 
it  feeds  on  the  nettle  tree  ( Celtis  occidental  is),  only  one  egg  being- 
placed  by  the  female  to  a branch.  The  chrysalis  is  bluish  green  and 
slightly  angular. 


•210 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


SA  TYR1D/E. 


The  family  Satyridce  contains  a number  of  medium  sized,  plain 
colored  butterflies,  mostly  of  different  shades  of  brown,  whose  only 
ornamentation  usually  consists  of  numerous  eye-like  spots,  most  dis- 


tinctly traced  on  t lie  underside.  The  larvae  are  cylindrical,  tapering 
toward  both  ends,  particularly  the  hinder  extremity,  which  is  termi- 
nated by  two  points.  They  are  usually  covered  with  soft,  short 
hairs,  springing  from  minute  warts.  Many  species  feed  on  grasses. 
The  chrysalides  are  not  angular,  differing  in  this  respect  in  a striking- 
manner  from  those  of  the  succeeding  family.  They  are  usually  sus- 


pended by  the  tail  from  a silken  mat,  although  sometimes  they  are 
found  loose  among  leaves  on  the  ground.  Like  the  Nymph, alida ? 
they  lack  the  silken  thread  passing  around  the  body,  which  is  the 
principal  characteristic  of  the  P apilionidm.  The  perfect  insects 

possess  but  four  well-developed  legs,  the  forward  pair  being  almost 
aborted.  Their  wings  are  broad  and  rounded  at  the  ends,  and  their 
bodies  are  small  and  weak.  They  are  sometimes  seen  in  great 
numbers,  and  are  most  often  found  in  or  near  wooded  tracts.  Their 
flight  is  slow,  and  most  of  the  species  are  easily  taken  with  the  net. 

Our  first  example  of  this  group,  Chionobas  semidea , is  an  insect  of 
great  interest  to  the  entomologist,  on  account  of  its  probably  being 
a survivor  of  an  arctic  pre-glacial  species,  driven  to  more  southern 
latitudes  by  the  cold  of  the  ice  age,  and  later  having  advanced  up  the 
mountain  sides  as  the  ice  sheet  gradually  melted,  being  thus  cut  off 
from  a retreat  to  its  former  northern  habitat  by  intervening  regions 


Larva  of  Satyrus. 


Chrysalis  of  Satyrus. 


SATYR  ID. E. 


211 


too  warm  for  its  existence.  It  is  now  found  rarely  on  the  tops  of 
some  of  the  highest  mountains  in  New  Hampshire,  and  in  similar 


Chionobas  semiflea. 


situations  on  the  Rocky  Mountains  in  Colorado.  In  coloring  the 
insect  is  plain,  being  an  even  tint  of  brown  above  without  spots  or 
markings,  save  on  the  upper  margin  of  the  fore  wings,  which  is 
marked  with  white  and  dark  brown,  and  the  fringe  on  the  outer 
margin  which  is  light  yellowish  marked  with  dark  brown  spots. 
This  is  most  distinctly  shown  on  the  under  side.  Beneath,  the  fore 


Chionobas  semidea.  Under  side. 


wings  are  plain  brown,  except  along  the  upper  margin  and  the  apex, 
which  is  marked  with  short,  irregular  lines  of  dark  brown,  yellowish 
brown  and  white.  The  lower  wings  are  marked  with  light  brown, 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


212 


dark  drown  and  white,  the  shades  being  distributed  in  an  irregular 
manner.  The  base  of  the  wing  is  dark  brown,  then  comes  an  uneven 
band  of  lighter  brown,  outside  of  which  is  a wide  band  of  dark  brown 
made  up  of  numerous  irregular  markings.  Beyond  this  the  wing  is 
lighter,  with  many  white  streaks,  the  brown  markings  again  growing 
more  numerous  toward  the  outer  margin.  The  scales  are  not  thickly 
laid  on  the  wings,  and  on  holding  a specimen  toward  the  light  it  will 
be  seen  to  be  semi-transparent,  particularly  the  lower  portion  of  the 
upper  wings.  The  thorax  is  hairy  below.  The  antennae  are  spotted 
with  white  and  blown,  and  the  slender  club  is  reddish. 

From  the  middle  to  the  latter  part  of  July  this  butterfly  may  be 
seen  in  numbers  near  the  top  of  Mount  Washington,  New  Hampshire, 
and  one  or  two  other  points  of  almost  equal  elevation.  It  is  worth  a 
climb  of  several  thousand  feet  to  see  this  interesting  species  in  its 
bleak  and  wind-swept  home.  The  weather  is  frequently  very  cold 
and  wind)  here,  and  it  often  hails  and  even  snows  in  the  summer 
time,  but  let  the  sun  come  out  for  half  an  hour,  and  out  will  come 
the  butterflies  as  if  they  were  flitting  about  a lowland  meadow  and 
a snow  squall  was  the  last  thing  to  be  thought  of.  They  ling  the 
ground  pretty  closely  while  on  the  wing,  but  they  are  not  rapid  or 
strong  flyers,  and  it  is  a wonder  that  ere  this  they  have  not  been 
swept  out  of  existence.  The  larva  is  said  to  feed  on  lichens. 


Satyrus  alope.  Male. 

Satyr  us  alope  makes  its  appearance  early  in  July,  and  is  usually 
very  abundant  by  the  middle  of  that  month  in  low  lands,  along 
brooks  or  ponds  fringed  with  a line  of  bushes  or  trees.  It  is  not  a 


m 


■ 


» 


. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Sioe 


SATYRUS  ALOPE 


SATYRIPiE. 


213 


rapid  flyer,  generally  keeping  near  the  ground  and  often  alighting  in 
the  coarse  grass  or  on  the  foliage  of  the  hushes.  The  females  are 


considerably  larger  than  the  males,  and  there  is  a good  deal  of  varia- 
tion between  individuals  in  regard  to  the  size  of  the  eye-spots,  as  the 
accompanying  illustrations  from  those  captured  in  the  same  locality 


will  show.  An  interesting  capture  made  in  AVellesle}',  Mass.,  is 
shown  in  the  following  illustration.  It  is  doubtless  an  albino,  and  is 
an  example  of  the  strangely  colored  insects  one  may  occasionally 
take  while  collecting  large  numbers  of  specimens.  The  ground  tint 
is  a light  tan  color  streaked  with  light  brown,  and  the  patch  on  the 


Satyrus  alope.  Female. 


214 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


fore  wing  is  bright  yellowish  orange,  the  eye-spots  being  small  and 
rather  dim. 

Specimens  may  be  occasionally  taken,  particularly  where  the 
present  species  and  Satyrus  nephele  are  found  in  the  same  locality, 
where  there  is  great  variation  in  the  size  of  the  yellowish  tan  patch 


on  the  fore  wings.  In  fact,  there  is  a gradual  gradation  between  those 
in  which  the  spot  is  large  and  well  defined  to  others  where  there  is  a 
mere  shade  of  tan  color  around  the  two  large  eye-spots.  By  some 
authors  the  following  species,  where  this  color  is  entirely  wanting, 
is  considered  but  a well-marked  variety  of  Satyrus  alope.  As  dis- 
tinctions between  varieties  and  species  are  more  or  less  arbitrary,  and 
considering  the  fact  that  if  we  could  see  all  the  intervening  varieties, 
one  species  would  blend  insensibly  into  another,  one  must  conclude 
that  a knowledge  of  the  habits  of  an  animal  is  more  useful  than  an 
ability  to  separate  by  these  nice  distinctions  varieties  from  species. 

As  tl  ie  flight  of  these  insects  is  weak,  they  have  been  obliged  to 
resort  to  a number  of  tricks  to  outwit  their  enemies.  In  capturing 
these  butterflies  the  collector  will  very  soon  become  acquainted  with 
their  modes  of  escape,  which  are  very  interesting,  and  show  no  small 
amount  of  cunning,  scarcely  to  be  looked  for  in  an  innocent  little 
butterfly.  Their  first  plan  of  escape  on  being  disturbed  is  to  make 
directly  for  a clump  of  bushes,  into  the  thickest  part  of  which  they 
dive,  and  there  remain  until  the  danger  is  past.  If  one  is  startled 
from  the  grass  at  some  distance  from  a safe  retreat,  and  the  collector 
overtakes  him,  he  will  immediately  dodge  backward  and  forward,  at 


Satyrus  alope.  Albino. 


SATYRIR.E. 


215 


one  time  high  in  air  and  again  low  down  near  the  grass  tops,  and  in 
spite  of  his  slow  flight,  keeping  well  clear  of  the  net.  If  the  net  is 
at  last  brought  very  close  to  him,  lie  will  try  his  last  desperate  scheme  to 
elude  his  pursuer,  and  shutting  his  wings  quickly  together  will  drop 
into  the  grass,  disappearing  as  if  by  magic.  If  it  were  not  for  the 
cunning  of  these  frail  little  creatures,  they  would  doubtless  have 
gone  to  the  Avail  lone-  ago  in  the  struggle  for  existence. 

o o O ao 

The  larva  is  cylindrical,  tapering  toward  both  ends,  and  has  a 
forked  tail.  It  is  yellowish  green  in  color,  and  covered  with  tine 
Avhite  hairs.  When  partly  grown  it  passes  the  winter  hidden  among 
the  lower  stems  of  the  coarse  swamp  grass,  upon  which  it  feeds,  and 
the  next  summer  completes  its  growth,  changes  to  a green  chrysalis, 
and  emerges  a perfect  fly. 

This  butterfly  Avith  its  varieties  is  a plentiful  insect  over  the  east- 
ern half  of  the  country  except  in  the  extreme  south. 


Satyrus  nepliele. 

A more  northern  species  than  the  preceding,  and  abundant  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  is  Satyrus  nepliele. 
In  this  insect  the  upper  side  is  dark  brown,  Avithout  the  ochre  patch 
on  the  forward  wings.  Tavo  small  black  eye-spots  on  the  upper  wing, 
surrounded  Avith  a faint  yellowish  brown  ring,  correspond  with  the 
large  eye-spots  of  the  preceding  species.  On  the  lower  wing  there 
is  usually  a single  small  black  spot.  These  constitute  the  only 
markings  of  the  upper  side.  On  the  under  side  the  general  color  is 
much  the  same.  The  spots  on  the  fore  Avings  are  enlarged,  pupilled 
with  Avliite,  and  encircled  with  distinct  rings  of  tan  color.  Several 
smaller  lings  adorn  the  loAver  Avings.  The  inner  half  of  both  sets  of 


216 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


wings  is  marked  with  short  lines  of  blackish  brown,  which  run 
together  near  the  body.  This  area  of  dark  lines  is  outlined  with  a 
heavy  irregular  dark  line.  Outside  of  this  on  the  lower  wings  the 
line  dark  lines  still  continue,  but  they  are  fainter  and  shorter.  The 
habits  of  this  insect  are  identical  with  the  preceding  species. 


Satyrus  peyala  is  a southern  species,  being  found  along  the  gulf 
states,  and  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey  on  the  east  coast.  It  much 
resembles  Satyrus  alope , but  the  lower  eye-spot  on  the  upper  wing  is 
very  small  and  without  the  central  white  or  bluish  pupil.  Its  habits 
closely  resemble  those  of  the  two  preceding  species,  and  its  larva 
lives  on  coarse  grasses. 

Neonymplia  eurytris  (spelled  also  euryiJiris)  is,  where  it  occurs, 
one  of  the  most  plentiful  of  butterflies,  being  seen  sometimes 
in  great  numbers  in  upland  wooded  districts.  It  is  a short-lived 
little  creature,  however,  and  is  so  fragile  and  delicate  that  a cold  storm 
or  a heavy  wind  will  destroy  it  by  thousands.  This  destruction  may  be 
easily  noticed  if  a long  cold  storm  occurs  during  the  greatest  abun- 
dance of  the  species,  as  the  butterflies,  fora  day  or  two  afterward,  will 
he  scarce  and  badly  worn,  and  as  they  again  increase  in  abundance 
from  day  to  day  they  will  be  found  to  be  nearly  all  in  perfect  condi- 
tion, as  their  numbers  are  augmented  by  the  hatching  out  of  fresh 
specimens.  This  is  a pretty  good  argument  for  the  collector  to  use 
when  accused  of  the  wanton  destruction  of  innocent  life  by  the  over- 
sensitive persons  that  are  occasionally  met  with  while  one  is  out 
with  the  net.  How  many  butterflies  will  all  the  collectors  in  the 
world  capture  in  one  year  in  comparison  with  those  exterminated  by 
natural  causes,  sometimes  in  a single  night?  Very  few,  surely. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Sioe 


NEONYMPHA  EURYTHRIS 


SATYRID.E. 


*217 


With  any  of  tlie  commoner  species  the  collector  is  not  a factor  in 
diminishing  their  numbers.  These  kindly  disposed  persons,  before 
they  pass  judgment  on  the  collectors  for  cruelty,  should  think  of  the 
parasites  which  so  often  inhabit  the  larvae  of  butterflies  and  moths, 
gradually  eating  away  their  substance  till  they  are  little  more  than 
animated  skins  tilled  with  a wriggling  mass  of  maggots,  lingering  in 
this  condition  for  days,  so  weak  as  to  be  scarcely  able  to  crawl.  The 
industrious  and  painstaking  collector,  who  is  endeavoring  to  increase 
his  knowledge  or  adorn  his  cabinet  with  fresh  and  perfect  specimens, 
should  have  every  encouragement ; he  is  a public  benefactor. 

This  butterfly  is  most  abundant  the  latter  part  of  June,  and  the 
woods  are  then  fairly  alive  with  them.  At  this  time  many  specimens 
stray  into  the  open  fields  and  may  be  seen  about  our  dwellings, 
although  they  act  as  though  they  felt  out  of  place,  and  would  gladly 
be  back  in  the  woods,  where  they  prefer  tracts  containing  a thick 
undergrowth  of  bushes.  They  fly  low,  just  above  the  ground,  with 
a rather  slow  but  unsteady  or  jerky  motion,  and  often  alight  on  the 
low  herbage.  To  get  perfect  specimens  one  must  take  them  very 
soon  after  they  make  their  appearance,  as  they  are  so  apt  to  become 
worn  or  ragged.  This  species  is  probably  double-brooded  to  a limited 
extent,  as  one  may  occasionally  take  perfect  specimens  in  August  or 
early  in  September;  but  these  are  scarce  in  comparison  with  the  June 
brood.  The  majority  evidently  prefer  to  go  over  to  the  next  season. 
The  larva  is  brownish,  darker  on  the  sides,  and  the  body  is  covered 
with  short  brown  hairs.  The  winter  is  passed  in  the  larval  state. 
The  insect  inhabits  the  eastern  half  of  the  country. 


Neonympba  cantlius.  Male. 


A somewhat  northern  species  is  Neonympha  cantlius , and  it  is  plenti- 
ful in  parts  of  New  England  and  Canada.  It  usually  inhabits  woods, 


218 


IMOTIIS  ANI)  BUTTERFLIES. 


but  is  rarely,  if  ever,  to  be  found  in  such  abundance  as  the  preceding 
species,  and  its  time  of  appearance  is  later,  usually  about  the  middle 
of  duly.  The  insect,  though  timid,  is  not  a rapid  flyer,  and  seems  to 
he  somewhat  gregarious  in  its  habits,  for,  where  one  is  seen,  a num- 
ber may  often  be  started  from  the  trees  and  bushes  in  its  immediate 
vicinity. 

The  saying  that  “one  sees  what  he  is  looking  for”  was  never 
better  exemplified  than  with  reference  to  the  collecting  of  many  of 


Neonymplia  cantlius.  Male. 


our  butterflies  and  moths,  and  the  shy  and  retiring  species  under 
consideration  is  a good  example.  Were  one  not  diligently  looking 
for  the  insect,  and  acquainted  with  the  kind  of  locality  in  which  it  is 


Neonympba  cantlius.  Male.  Under  side. 


usually  found,  lie  would  probably  never  dream  of  its  existence  unless 
by  accident  he  ran  across  a colony.  These  butterflies  seldom  stray 
f;ir  from  where  they  emerge  from  the  chrysalis,  and  on  account  of 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Sice 


Under  Side 


NEONYMPHA  CANTHUS 


SATYRIDiE. 


219 


their  delicate  structure,  their  lives  are  probably  very  short.  There  is 
considerable  variation  both  between  the  sexes  and  between  individ- 
uals of  the  same  sex.  The  males  are  generally  smaller  than  the 


Neonympka  cantkus.  Female. 


females,  and  are  darker  in  color.  In  the  female  there  is  usually  a 
light  yellowish  gray  band  on  the  upper  side,  which  crosses  the  for- 
ward wing  about  one-third  from  the  end,  and  the  spots  on  both 


Neonympka  caiilkus.  Female.  Under  side. 


wings  are  encircled  with  yellowish  gray.  These  differences  can  be 
readily  seen  in  the  accompanying  illustrations.  The  sizes  of  the  eye- 
spots  in  individuals  of  the  same  sex  often  vary  in  a marked  degree, 
even  in  specimens  from  the  same  locality.  In  some  they  show 
scarcely  more  than  dots  on  the  upper  side,  and  in  others  they  are 
large  and  prominent  on  both  sides. 

The  caterpillar  feeds  on  grass.  It  is  greenish  and  downy,  and 


220 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


hibernates  over  winter  in  a half-grown  state,  completing  its  growth 
the  next  season.  The  chrysalis  is  green. 


Neonympha  gemma.  Upper  and  under  side. 

An  extremely  delicate  little  butterfly  is  Neonympha  gemma.  The 
wings  are  light  grayish  brown,  slightly  darker  toward  their  outer 
margins,  and  are  without  markings,  except  two  small  spots  of  brown 
near  the  outer  margin  of  each  lower  wing.  On  the  under  side  the 
wings  are  crossed  by  two  faint  wavy  lines  of  brown,  and  next  their 
base  are  marked  with  a few  short  irregular  brown  lines.  Next  the 
outer  margin  of  the  lower  wings,  and  bordered  inwardly  with  a gray- 
ish pink  area,  is  a row  of  four  sharply-defined  small  black  spots,  each 
baying  a silvery  centre.  Several  splashes  of  silver  extend  along  the 
margin  both  above  and  below  the  row  of  spots. 

This  insect  is  southern  in  its  ranere,  from  Virginia  southward. 

o " o 


Neonympha  sosybius.  Upper  and  under  side. 

About  the  same  size  as  the  preceding  species  and  of  a brownish 
gray,  with  slightly  pinkish  reflections,  is  Neonymplia  sosybius.  The 
upper  side  is  without  spots  or  markings,  except  three  faint  lines 
along  the  outer  margins.  The  under  side  is  a much  lighter  gray, 


SATYRIDiE. 


221 


with  two  strong  brown  lines  crossing  botli  sets  of  wings.  On  the 
upper  wings,  beginning  near  the  upper  angle,  is  a row  of  four  brown 
and  one  black  eye-spots,  each  surrounded  with  a yellow  ring  and 
having  a central  silver  dot,  and  this  row  is  continued  on  the  lower 
wings,  where  there  are  three  brown  and  three  black  spots.  Three 
brown  lines  follow  the  margins  of  the  wings. 

This  is  also  a southern  species,  being  found  from  Virginia  south- 
ward and  westward. 


Debis  portlandia. 


Debis  portlandia.  The  general  color  of  this  insect  is  light  wood 
brown,  the  outer  third  of  the  forward  wings  being  pale,  with  an 


Debis  portlandia.  Under  side. 

irregular  dark  line  separating  it  from  the  general  color  of  the  wing. 
This  line  is  darkest  and  widest  near  the  upper  margin,  and  is  bor- 
dered outwardly  by  a light  yellowish  gray  area.  There  are  three 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


222 


large  dark  brown  spots  with  black  centres  (the  lower  one  being  the 
largest),  and  one  very  small  spot  on  the  outward  third  of  the  upper 
wing.  These  spots  are  surrounded  with  a ring  of  pale  yellow.  On 
the  lower  wings  are  five  large  dark  brown  spots,  similar  to  those 
above.  These  are  arranged  as  shown  in  the  accompanying  figure. 
The  margins  of  all  four  wings  are  darker,  and  are  fringed  with  white 
interrupted  with  tufts  of  brown  scales  at  the  ends  of  the  veins. 
Two  pale  grayish  lines  follow  the  outer  margins  of  the  Avings.  The 
thorax  is  gray,  the  head  and  abdomen  yellowish  brown.  The  under 
side  is  very  prettily  marked ; the  general  color  is  about  the  same  as 
the  upper  side  except  that  there  is  a slightly  pinkish  tinge;  but 
running  across  both  sets  of  wings,  from  near  the  middle  of  the  upper 
margin  of  the  upper  wings,  is  a wide  irregular  bar  of  gray  brown, 
with  several  indentations  and  projections  on  the  outer  edge.  This 
bar  is  outlined  on  both  edges  Avitli  a line  of  brown.  Outside  of  this 
is  a light  yellowish  gray  area.  On  the  outer  third  of  the  upper  Aving 
is  a roAv  of  fine  blackish  brown  spots  of  various  sizes.  These  are 
eacli  pupilled  with  white  and  encircled  with  ayelloAv  ring.  Outside  of 
this,  and  enclosing  the  row  of  spots,  is  a line  of  whitish.  The  loAver 
Aving  is  also  supplied  Avitli  a number  of  spots  similar  to  those  on  the 
upper  wing.  The  whitish  line  is  also  continued,  the  large  spot  near 
the  upper  margin,  and  the  double  spot  at  the  lower  end  of  the  row, 
being  encircled  by  it,  Avhile  it  follows  as  a Avavy  line  on  both  sides 
of  the  other  spots.  The  entire  margin  is  darker,  and  a light  gray 
line  follows  it  on  both  Avings.  The  body  and  legs  are  light  yellow- 
ish ; the  abdomen  near  the  thorax  is  Avhite. 

This  insect  inhabits  the  Avhole  eastern  half  of  the  continent,  but 
is  very  rare  in  Neiv  England  so  far  as  my  experience  goes,  although 
it  is  a common  butterfly  in  several  of  the  western  states.  It  inhabits 
wooded  districts,  particularly  the  growths  of  willoAvs  along  rivers. 
It  is  apparently  somewhat  gregarious,  as  in  walking  along  the  banks 
of  a stream  Avhere  coarse  grasses  grow  among  the  trees,  one  will 
frequently  start  it  up  in  numbers,  but  only  in  a space  covering  a few 
square  rods.  I have  seen  it  very  abundant  in  IoAva,  about  the  mid- 
dle of  July,  along  the  Ioiva  and  Skunk  rivers.  The  insects  usually 
alight  on  the  tree  trunks  and  among  the  coarse  grasses,  and  fly  but  a 
short  distance  in  a sIoav  and  uncertain  manner,  so  that  one  may  catch 
them  in  the  hands  even  while  on  the  wing.  When  not  disturbed, 
they  move  and  turn  about  at  short  intervals  as  if  in  play,  or  to  take 
in  the  view  from  every  direction.  The  insects  vary  a good  deal  in 


NYMPHALIDjE. 


their  markings,  some  having  much  larger  and  darker  eye-spots  than 
others. 

The  larva  feeds  upon  grasses,  and  is  cylindrical  in  shape,  taper- 
ing towards  both  ends,  the  posterior  being  forked  into  two  short  tails. 
It  is  greenish  yellow  in  color,  striped  with  yellow  and  dark  green. 
The  chrysalis  is  green  and  smooth,  and  is  often  attached  to  the  stems 
or  blades  of  the  grass  on  which  the  larva  has  fed. 

O 


NYMPH  A LID JE. 

Angle  Wings.  Silver  spots. 

The  great  family  of  Nt/mphaUdce  contains  a larger  number  of 
species  and  genera  than  any  other  group  of  butterflies.  It  comprises 
many  good  sized  and  beautiful  insects,  and  most  of  our  well-known 
and  showy  specimens  belong  to  this  group.  The  family  lias  a world- 
wide range,  members  belonging  to  it  being  found  in  every  country  on 
the  earth.  Many  of  the  individual  species  have  a wide  geographical 
distribution,  several  being-  well  known  in  half  the  inhabited  regions 
of  the  globe.  Many  of  the  larvse  of  these  butterflies  are  covered  with 
spines  or  stout  bristles,  while  others  are  adorned  with  fleshy  fila- 
ments. The  chrysalis  is  stout,  and  is  suspended  from  a patch  of  silk 
by  the  posterior  end  of  the  body,  without  the  thread  of  silk  which 
passes  around  the  body  of  the  chrysalis  of  the  P apilionidce.  A large 
number  of  the  chrysalides  are  angular,  some  being  adorned  with 
stout,  sharp  pointed  spines  or  projections,  while  others  are  compara- 
tively smooth.  Some  are  beautifully  marked  with  golden  or  silvery 
spots,  and  are  a delight  to  look  upon.  The  chrysalis  stage  usually 
lasts  about  two  weeks,  depending  largely  on  the  temperature. 

The  butterflies  of  this  group  are  many  of  them  active,  rapid  flying 
insects,  with  stout  bodies,  and  frequently  colored  in  a brilliant  and 
striking  manner.  They  have  but  four  well  developed  legs,  the 
forward  pair  being  aborted  and  of  very  little  use  to  the  insect.  A 
deep  groove  on  the  lower  wings  partly  encloses  the  abdomen  on 
either  side. 

In  his  excellent  work  on  “ Insects  Injurious  to  Vegetation,”  Mr. 
Harris  describes  the  way  in  which  a caterpillar  of  this  family  sheds 
its  skin  and  becomes  a chrysalis,  in  such  a complete  and  beautifully 
written  manner,  that  I have  concluded  to  insert  it  here  instead  of 
describing  the  process  in  my  own  words.  He  says  of  the  NympJia- 
lidce : '■  Their  caterpillars,  when  about  to  transform,  do  not  make  a 


224 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERELIES. 


loop  to  support  the  fore  part  of  the  body,  hut  suspend  themselves 
vertically  by  the  hindmost  feet.  As  they  all  secure  themselves 
pretty  much  in  the  same  way,  it  may  be  proper  to  explain  the 
process.  Having  finished  eating,  the  caterpillar  wanders  about  till 
it  has  discovered  a suitable  situation  in  which  to  pass  through  its 
transformations.  This  may  be  under  the  side  of  a branch  or  of  a 
leaf  or  any  other  horizontal  object  beneath  which  it  can  find  suffi- 
cient room  for  its  future  operations.  Here  it  spins  a web  or  tuft  of 
silk,  fastening  it  securely  to  the  surface  beneath  which  it  is  resting, 
entangles  the  hooks  of  its  hindmost  feet  among  the  threads,  and  then 
contracts  its  body  and  lets  itself  drop  so  as  to  hang  suspended  by  the 
hind  feet  alone,  the  head  and  fore  part  of  the  body  being  curved 
upwards  in  the  form  of  a hook.  After  some  hours,  the  skin  over  the 
bent  part  of  tire  body  is  rent,  the  fore  part  of  the  chrysalis  protrudes 
from  the  fissure,  and,  by  a wriggling  kind  of  motion,  the  caterpillar 
skin  is  stripped  backwards  till  only  the  extremity  of  the  chrysalis 
remains  attached  to  it.  The  chrysalis  has  now  to  release  itself 
entirely  from  the  caterpillar  skin,  which  is  gathered  in  folds  around 
its  tail,  and  to  make  itself  fast  to  the  silken  tuft  by  the  minute  hooks 
with  which  the  hinder  extremity  is  provided.  Not  having  the  assist- 
ance of  a transverse  loop  to  support  its  body  while  it  disengages  its 
tail,  the  attempt  would  seem  perilous  in  the  extreme,  if  not  impossi- 
ble. Without  having  witnessed  the  operation,  we  should  suppose 
that  the  insect  would  inevitably  fall  while  endeavoring  to  accom- 
plish its  object.  But,  although  unprovided  with  ordinary  limbs,  it  is 
not  left  without  the  means  to  extricate  itself  from  its  present  diffi- 
culty. The  hinder  and  tapering  part  of  the  chrysalis  consists  of 
several  rings  or  segments,  so  joined  together  as  to  be  capable  of  mov- 
ing from  side  to  side  upon  each  other;  and  these  supply  to  it  the 
place  of  hands.  By  bending  together  two  of  these  rings  near  the 
middle  of  the  body,  the  chrysalis  seizes,  in  tire  crevice  between  them, 
a portion  of  the  empty  caterpillar  skin,  and  clings  to  it  so  as  to  sup- 
port itself  while  it  withdraws  its  tail  from  the  remainder  of  the  skin. 
It  is  now  wholly  out  of  the  skin,  to  which  it  hangs  suspended  by  nip- 
ping together  the  rings  of  its  body;  but,  as  the  chrysalis  is  much 
shorter  than  the  caterpillar,  it  is  yet  some  distance  from  the  tuft  of 
silk  to  which  it  must  climb  before  it  can  fix  in  it  the  hooks  of  its 
hinder  extremity.  To  do  this,  it  extends  the  rings  of  its  body  as  far 
apart  as  possible,  then,  bending  together  two  of  them  above  those  by 
which  it  is  suspended,  it  catches  hold  of  the  skin  higher  up,  at  the 


NYMPHALLDJ3. 


225 


same  time  letting  go  below,  and  by  repeating  this  process  with  differ- 
ent ring’s  in  succession,  it  at  length  reaches  the  tuft  of  silk,  entangles 
its  hooks  among  the  threads,  and  then  hangs  suspended  without 
further  risk  of  falling.  It  next  contrives  to  dislodge  the  cast  cater- 
pillar  skin  by  whirling  itself  around  repeatedly,  till  the  old  skin  is 
finally  loosened  from  its  attachment  and  falls  to  the  ground.  The 
whole  of  this  operation,  difficult  as  it  may  seem,  is  performed  in  the 
space  of  a very  few  minutes,  and  rarely  does  this  insect  fail  to  accom- 
plish it  successfully  and  safely.” 

So  rapidly  is  a part  of  this  process  performed,  particularly  the 
withdrawing  of  the  tail  of  the  chrysalis  from  the  caterpillar  skin  and 
the  climbing  up  and  fastening  of  its  hooks  in  the  mat  of  silk,  that 
one  can  scarcely  understand  how  it  is  done  until  he  has  seen  it  over 
and  over  again. 

The  genus  Papilla  is  confined  to  the  American  continent,  and 
most  of  the  species  are  from  Central  and  South  America.  The 
upper  wings  are  pointed,  and  the  lower  pair  is  usually  adorned  with 
a narrow  tail  on  each  wing.  Many  of  the  species  are  richly  colored 
with  purplish  brown,  pinkish  brown,  bluish  black,  greenish  black, 
etc. ; but  not  many  are  brilliant  in  comparison  with  those  of  other 
tropical  butterflies. 


Paphia  troglodyta.  Male. 

A fine  insect,  found  throughout  the  western  and  southwestern 
states,  is  Paphia  troglodyta.  In  color  the  male  is  copper  red,  the 
outer  margin  of  the  wings  being  brownish  on  the  upper  pair  and 
blackish  on  the  lower.  The  female  is  not  so  bright  a red,  and  numer- 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


226 

ous  black  markings  are  distributed  over  the  wings  as  shown  in  the 
figure.  On  the  outer  third  of  both  sets  of  wings  is  a wide,  light 
area  of  yellow,  which  in  the  upper  wings  takes  the  form  of  a broad 
band,  branching  at  the  top.  In  the  lower  wings  this  yellow  band 
blends  into  (he  other  colors  of  the  wing  about  half-way  across  from 
the  upper  margin.  The  under  side  of  both  sexes  is  much  the  same 
and  is  often  a grayish  brown,  which  harmonizes  with  the  bark  of 
trees  upon  which  the  insects  often  alight.  This  color  of  the  under 
side  is  very  variable,  and  specimens  may  be  found  varying  from 
light  grayish  brown  to  a deep  red  brown.  The  caterpillar  is  a 
curious  looking  creature,  tapering  both  ways  from  the  middle,  par- 
ticularly toward  the  posterior  end.  The  head  is  of  good  size,  and, 


Paphia  troglodyta.  Female. 


when  the  animal  is  extended,  it  is  seen  to  have  quite  a neck,  re- 
minding one  in  this  respect  of  the  larva  of  the  Tlesperidce.  In  color 
it  is  bluish  green,  and  the  surface  of  its  body  is  rough,  being  cov- 
ered with  fine  whitish  points.  Its  food  plant  is  the  goat-weed.  The 
chrysalis  is  short  and  thick,  and  varies  in  color  from  light  greenish  to 
greenish  brown. 

This  butterfly  I have  seen  in  many  places  in  the  west  during  July 
and  August.  It  is  a strong  and  rapid  flyer,  and  were  it  as  war}’  as 
it  is  active,  it  would  be  a difficult  insect  to  capture.  It  frequently 
alights  on  the  topmost  twig  of  a bush,  or  on  a fence  post,  where  it 
can  have  an  unobstructed  view  of  all  about,  and  from  this  retreat  it 
sallies  forth  to  meet  and  give  battle  to  each  intruder  on  its  chosen 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Sioe 


Under  Side 


PAPHIA  TROGLODYTA 


NYMPH  ALIDiE. 


domain.  While  the  insect  is  at  rest  one  may  cautiously  advance 
quite  near,  but  any  sudden  movement  will  alarm  it,  when  off  it  will 
go  so  rapidly  that  one  can  scarcely  see  it.  It  frequently  returns  to 
the  same  spot  in  a few  moments,  and  resting  with  half-spread  wings, 
looks  as  if  daring  the  observer  to  make  another  trial  to  take  it  cap- 
tive. It  is  sometimes  too  confident  of  its  powers,  and  finds  itself  a 
prisoner,  when  its  struggles  to  escape  are  indeed  desperate.  So  bold 
is  this  butterfly  at  times,  that  after  striking  at  it  with  the  net  and 
missing  it,  I have  had  it  alig’ht  on  my  hat  or  my  clothing,  as  if  it 
considered  the  performance  good  sport  and  desired  me  to  try  again. 

My  brother  had  an  interesting  experience  with  this  butterfly  dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  July  in  southeastern  Missouri.  He  discovered, 
resting  on  the  leaves  of  trees  surrounding  a patch  of  goat-weed,  a 
number  of  the  males  of  this  species,  waiting  for  the  females  to  make 
their  appearance.  The  males  were  very  shy  and  active,  so  much  so, 
in  fact,  that  he  almost  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  would  not  be 
able  to  capture  any,  until  he  hit  upon  this  plan  : after  seeing  one 

alight  on  a leaf,  he  would  carefully  walk  around  to  the  back  of  the 
tree,  and  then  come  up  under  him,  when  he  would  see  his  shadow 
from  the  under  side  of  the  leaf,  and  with  a quick  movement  of  the 
net  make  him  captive.  The  females  were  not  so  alert  or  active,  and 
flew  low  down  near  the  ground,  often  alighting  on  the  goat-weed  to 
deposit  their  eggs. 


Species  of  the  genus  Apatura  inhabit  North  and  South  America, 
Europe  and  Asia,  and  among  them  are  some  of  the  most  brilliantly 
colored  butterflies  known.  Their  sombre  ground  colors  of  dark 
brown  and  black  throw  into  strong  relief  the  flashing  green, 
blue,  purple  and  lilac  with  which  Nature  lias  so  lavishly  adorned 
them.  Sometimes  these  colors  are  in  the  shape  of  wide  bars  or 
patches,  and  again  even  covering  the  whole  surface  of  the  wings,  as 


228 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


seen  in  certain  lights.  The  insects  are  supplied  with  long,  clubbed 
antennae,  a stout  thorax  furnishing  room  for  the  powerful  muscles  to 
move  their  strong  wings,  and  a short,  small  abdomen.  They  are  ex- 
ceedingly active,  and  fly  with  great  rapidity,  although  their  flight  is 
not  usually  long  sustained.  The  under  side  of  the  wings  is  usually 
adorned  with  eye-like  spots.  In  some  species  these  are  numerous,  in 
others  there  is  but  one  to  each  side.  Several  of  the  most  beautiful 
species  inhabit  Mexico  and  Central  America. 


Our  best  known  of  the  four  species  of  this  genus  inhabiting  the 
eastern  half  of  the  United  States  is  Apatura  clyton.  There  is  a 
good  deal  of  difference  in  size  between  the  sexes,  as  will  be  seen  by 
reference  to  the  illustrations.  The  upper  wings  of  the  male  are 
light  rusty  brown  on  the  inner  half,  the  outer  half  being  dark  brown. 
Two  irregular  rows  of  large  rusty  yellow  spots  are  located  on  the 
outer  half,  the  inner  row  margined  on  the  inner  side  by  a black  line. 
A row  of  tawny  spots  runs  along  the  outer  margin,  beginning  large 
at  the  lower  angle  and  growing  smaller  and  finally  fading  out  toward 
the  apex  of  the  wing.  Two  uneven  black  marks  are  placed  just 
below  the  upper  margin  on  the  inner  third.  The  lower  wings  al- 
most reverse  the  coloring  of  the  upper  pair,  and  with  the  exception 
of  the  concave  inner  margin,  which  is  yellowish  gray,  the  inner  half 
of  the  wing  is  reddish  brown  and  the  outer  half  reddish  yellow  or 
tawny  orange.  The  veins  are  dark  brown,  the  outer  margin  brown. 
Six  roundish  black  spots  extend  in  an  irregular  line  from  near  the 
upper  margin  across  the  wing  to  near  the  lower  angle.  The  thorax 
and  abdomen  are  greenish  brown.  The  spots  and  markings  of  the 


Apatura  clyton.  Male. 


NYMPHALlDvE. 


229 


upper  side  of  tire  upper  wings  are  reproduced  below,  but  are  fainter, 
and  over  the  whole  surface  is  a pinkish  tinge.  This  extends  over 
the  lower  wings  also,  which  are  more  sombre,  and  lack  the  tawny 


Apatura  clyton.  Female. 


orange  area  of  the  upper  side.  The  inner  half  next  the  body  is 
grayish  brown,  then  comes  an  irregular  band  of  pale  yellow,  grow- 
ing darker  and  blending  into  the  other  color  toward  the  lower  angle  ; 


Apatura  clyton.  Male.  Under  side. 

then  a wide  area  of  pinkish  brown,  containing  seven  black  spots,  en- 
circled with  narrow  rings  of  rusty  brown,  and  pupilled  with  blue, 
the  lowest  spot  being  double ; lastl}7,  there  are  two  wavy  brown 
lines  following  the  outer  margin,  with  a faint  yellowish  line  between 
them.  The  thorax  and  abdomen  yellowish  gray,  the  legs  light.  The 


230 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


female  is  not  marked  so  strikingly,  and  is  more  yellowish  above. 
The  tawny  orange  patch  is  lacking  on  the  lower  wings,  but  the  large 
black  spots  are  encircled  with  rings  of  reddish  yellow.  The  under 
side  is  pale,  and  most  of  the  markings  are  softly  blended.  The 
round  spots  are  indicated  below  with  obscure  spots  of  brown,  only 
one  or  two  of  which  have  bine  centres.  A fine  line  of  white  runs 
along  the  outer  margins  of  both  wings.  The  thorax  and  abdomen 
are  yellowish  gray. 


A dimorphic  form  is  occasionally  taken,  in  which  the  lower  wing, 
except  the  inner  third,  is  dark  brown,  with  a row  of  large  black 
spots  encircled  with  red  brown,  outside  of  which  are  several  vague 


crescents  of  a tawny  color.  This  form  has  been  given  the  name  of 
variety  ocellata. 

The  female  of  this  species  lays  its  eggs,  which  are  yellowish 
white,  on  the  hackberry  in  a compact  patch,  usually  on  the  under 
side  of  a leaf.  The  larva  is  light  green  in  color,  striped  with  yel- 


Apatura  clyton.  Dimorphic  form. 


Chrysalis  of  Apatura  clyton. 


NYMPH  A LI  IKE. 


281 


low.  It  is  rough  and  firm  to  the  touch,  the  posterior  extremity  is 
prolonged  into  two  short  tails,  and  the  head  is  adorned  with  curious 
spiny  projections  or  branching  horns,  which  have  suggested  the 
name  of  antlers  to  some  authors.  There  is  but  one  brood  in  a sea- 
son, and  the  half-grown  larvse  for  the  next  summer’s  butterflies  win- 
ter in  a torpid  state  The  chrysalis  is  yellowish  green  and  somewhat 
angular. 

o 

This  butterfly,  like  all  the  other  members  of  the  genus  Apatura 
with  which  I am  acquainted,  is  a strong  and  rapid  flyer.  It  frequents 
the  outskirts  of  woods  and  groves,  and  often  alights  on  the  trunks 
of  trees.  It  is  very  pugnacious,  giving  battle  to  all  intruders  on 
its  chosen  domain.  The  butterfly  makes  its  appearance  in  July,  and 
it  inhabits  the  southern  and  southwestern  states. 


Apatura  celtis.  Male. 

A smaller  species  than  those  preceding  is  Apatura  celtis.  The 
upper  wings  are  greenish  gray  or  olive  gray  on  their  lower  half,  the 
upper  half  being  dark  brown.  Two  irregular  rows  of  pale  yellow- 
ish spots,  the  outer  one  extending  but  half  across  the  wing  from  the 
upper  margin,  are  located  on  the  outer  half.  Two  short  black  marks 
are  placed  just  below  the  upper  margin.  These  are  bordered  exter- 
nally with  pale  yellow  spots.  One  black  eye-spot,  enclosed  in  a 
tawny  ring,  is  situated  at  the  lower  end  of  the  outward  line  of  yel- 
lowish spots.  A line  of  faint  tawny  spots  follows  the  outer  margin. 
The  veins  are  black.  The  lower  wings  have  a slightly  reddish 
tinge  in  comparison  with  the  upper  pair,  and  are  darker  near  their 
base.  A light  area  on  the  outer  half  of  the  wing  contains  several 
small  black  spots,  and  outside  of  these  are  two  dark  brown  wavy 


232 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


lines.  On  tlie  outer  margin  of  all  four  wings  is  a narrow  white 
line,  interrupted  with  black  at  the  ends  of  the  veins.  The  thorax  is 
bluish  black,  the  abdomen  brown.  The  under  surface  is  lighter,  the 
inner  half  of  all  four  wings  being  gray  with  a slightly  bluish  cast. 
The  outer  half  is  grayish  brown.  The  markings  of  the  upper  side 
are  repeated  below  in  a general  way.  There  is  an  extra  eye-spot 


Apatura  celtis.  Male.  Under  side. 


with  a whitish  dot  near  the  apex  of  the  fore  wing,  and  the  black 
spots  on  the  lower  wings  are  pupilled  with  blue.  The  thorax  and 
legs  are  yellowish  gray,  and  the  abdomen  rusty.  The  larva  feeds  on 
the  leaves  of  the  hackberry.  It  is  light  green,  with  a row  of  yellow 
spots  on  its  back  and  yellow  lines  along  its  sides.  Its  head  is 
adorned  with  horns  as  in  other  species. 

My  brothers  had  some  experience  in  capturing  this  butterfly  near 
Chillicothe,  Ohio,  in  the  month  of  July.  It  was  most  plentiful  near 
trees,  often  alighting  on  their  trunks.  When  disturbed  it  flew  very 
rapidly  in  an  eccentric  manner  for  a short  distance  and  then  alighted 
suddenly.  Several  times  the  insects  lit  on  their  clothing  and  nets, 
and  once  or  twice  actually  on  their  faces.  The  habitat  of  this  species 
is  the  southern  and  western  states.  It  does  not  live  farther  north 
than  the  middle  of  Ohio,  and  I have  never  known -of  a specimen  being 
taken  in  New  England. 

In  Apatura  flora  the  ground  color  is  reddish  tan,  with  the  mark- 
ings and  spots  strong  and  sharply  defined.  The  wings  are  margined 
with  a heavy  dark  brown  band,  and  the  eye-spots  on  the  lower  pair 
are  large  and  conspicuous. 

The  female  is  a good  deal  larger  than  her  mate,  but  is  much 
paler  in  coloring,  the  wings  being  also  without  the  heavy  dark  brown 


NYMPHALIDJE. 


233 


margins  peculiar  to  the  male.  The  eye-spots  are  large  and  con- 
spicuous. 


Apatura  flora. 


This  is  a common  insect  in  Florida  and  along  the  gulf  states  to 
Texas,  where  it  has  much  the  same  habits  as  the  other  species  of  the 
genus. 


Apatura  alicia 

Another  insect  belonging  to  this  genus  whose  habitat  is  Florida 

o o o 

and  the  gulf  states  is  Apatura  alicia.  The  ground  color  of  the  upper 
side  is  reddish  fawn,  paler  toward  the  outer  margins.  The  markings 
and  spots  are  very  distinct,  and  the  outer  half  of  the  upper  wings  is 
black  with  white  and  light  yellow  spots.  The  wings  are  margined 
with  a broad  line  of  brown.  The  female  is  somewhat  paler,  and  is 
also  larger  than  the  male. 

o 


234 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


This  species  may  he  easily  distinguished  from  Apatura  flora  and 
Apatura  clyton  by  the  eye-spot  on  the  upper  side  of  the  upper  wing 
near  the  outer  margin.  Apatura  celtis  has  this  spot,  but  the  insect  is 
smaller  and  more  sombre  in  color  than  the  present  species. 

The  genus  Limenitis  is  distinguished  by  having  straight  and  slen- 
der antennae,  with  a gradual  thickening  toward  the  end  instead  of  a 
distinct  club.  The  lower  wings  are  scalloped.  This  genus  comprises 
several  very  line  butterflies  inhabiting  the  eastern  half  of  the  coun- 
try, while  two  or  three  more  occur  in  the  west.  The  larvae  are  inter- 
esting from  their  peculiar  manner  of  hibernating,  and  also  on  account 
of  the  humps  and  horns  with  which  their  bodies  are  adorned.  They 
are  of  various  colors,  being  generally  mottled  and  spotted  in  a strik- 
ing manner. 


Limenitis  Ursula.  Male. 


A very  beautiful  species  of  this  genus,  and  one  with  which  almost 
every  young  collector  is  familiar,  is  Limenitis  Ursula..  The  butterfly 
is  plentiful  in  June,  and  may  most  often  be  seen  about  damp  places 
on  the  roads,  where  it  is  usually  so  intent  on  sipping  the  dirty  Avater 
that  it  may  be  easily  taken.  After  it  is  once  alarmed  it  is  a very 
difficult  insect  to  capture,  as  it  flies  rapidly  and  is  very  wary.  Some- 
times a second  brood  makes  its  appearance  early  in  September.  In 
Massachusetts  it  is  not  often  common  at  that  time  of  year,  but  in 
Ohio  and  others  of  the  western  states  the  second  brood  is  sometimes 
as  numerous  as  the  first,  and  under  the  sweet  apple  and  pear  trees  I 


NYMPHALID^E. 


235 


have  often  seen  many  of  these  fine  butterflies  resting  on  the  half- 
decayed  fruit,  slowly  opening  ancl  shutting  together  their  blue,  pur- 
ple and  black  wings,  the  picture  of  satisfied  contentment.  They  are 
very  tame  under  these  circumstances,  and  one  may  with  caution 
move  quite  close  to  them  and  enjoy  their  rare  beauty. 

How  many  happy  hours  slip  away  while  one  is  thus  engaged  in 
watching  and  admiring  ! What  a school  this  study  of  entomology  is 
for  the  children  ! It  takes  them  into  the  sunny  fields,  gives  them 
plenty  of  exercise,  and  fills  their  minds  with  pleasant  and  interesting 
thoughts.  A boy  with  a net  in  his  hand,  a cyanide  bottle,  and  plenty 


Limenitis  Ursula.  Female. 


of  insect  papers  in  his  pockets,  and  with  a little  encouragement  in 
the  right  direction  from  his  parents,  is  not  the  boy  who  is  likely  to 
get  into  mischief.  His  mind  and  time  are  too  well  occupied  for  that. 

But  I am  wandering  from  my  subject.  There  is  usually  some  dif- 
ference in  size  between  the  sexes  of  this  species  of  Limenitis , the  male 
being  the  smaller  and  also  the  brighter  in  coloring.  The  spots  of 
color  are  usually  more  sharply  defined  in  the  male,  and  the  deep 
orange  spots  on  the  under  side  are  larger  and  more  intense.  Occa- 
sionally specimens  are  captured,  and  these  are  always  males  according 
to  my  experience,  which  are  a deep  rich  purple  over  nearly  all  of  the 
upper  surface.  These  captures  are  rare,  but  the  insects  are  so 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


286 

beautiful  that,  when  successful,  one  will  consider  the  time  well  spent 
in  striving  at  them. 

This  species  is  found  over  the  whole  of  the  eastern  United  States, 


Limenitis.  Hybrid.  Male. 


except  the  most  northern  part,  where  another  allied  insect,  Limenitis 
arthemis , takes  its  place.  Hybrids  between  these  two  species,  or  what 
are  supposed  to  lie  such  by  naturalists,  are  occasionally  taken.  These 
vary  from  insects  which  show  a slight  trace  of  the  white  bars  across  the 


Limenitis.  Hybrid.  Male.  Under  side. 


wings,  to  those  in  which  the  bars  are  almost  as  conspicuous  as  in  the 
following  described  species.  The  coloring  of  the  rest  of  the  insect  is 
similar  to  Limenitis  Ursula.  The  larva  is  a curiously  shaped  and 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


LIMENITIS  URSULA 


NYMPHALIDJ3. 


237 


strikingly  marked  creature.  Its  body  is  humped,  and  rough  horns 
are  placed  on  the  forward  part  of  the  body.  Its  colors  are  brown, 
white  and  green,  dark  at  either  end,  but  spotted  and  variegated  in 
such  a way  that  the  insect  is  difficult  to  see  while  feeding,  or  at  rest 


Limenitis.  Hybrid.  Female. 


on  its  food  plant,  the  oak,  wild  cherry  or  willow,  ami  looks  not  unlike 
that  of  Limenitis  disippus ; so  much  so  that  a person  can  never  be 
sure  when  he  finds  one  (particularly  as  both  species  live  on  much  the 


Larva  of  Limenitis  Ursula. 


same  plants),  which  butterfly  it  will  eventually  make.  There  is 
frequently  a good  deal  of  variation  in  these  larvte,  even  when  full 
grown,  some  specimens  being  chocolate  brown,  and  almost  black 
toward  the  head  and  tail,  while  others  are  light  green,  with  a white 
band  over  the  back,  and  a brown  head  and  tail.  Each  of  the  last 
brood  of  the  season,  while  the  caterpillars  are  very  minute,  makes  a 
silk  lined  tube  enclosed  in  a small  leaf  at  the  end  of  a twig-.  This 


238 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


ingeniously  made  little  habitation,  to  which  the  caterpillar  always 
leaves  the  shrivelled  end  of  the  leaf  attached  to  serve  as  a porch  or 
veranda  on  which  to  crawl  out,  serves  as  its  winter  home.  This  leaf 


Chrysalis  of  Limenitis  Ursula.  Chrysalis  of  Limenitis  arthemis. 

is  attached  by  silk  to  the  twig,  and  here  it  weathers  the  blasts  of 
winter,  securely  fastened.  After  the  other  leaves  have  fallen  in  the 
autumn,  these  “ hibernacula,”  as  they  are  called,  may  be  easily  found 
and  kept  in  a cool  place  till  the  next  season,  when  the  broods  may  be 
started  as  soon  as  the  buds  begin  to  open.  The  chrysalis  is  as  peculiar 
in  shape  as  the  larva,  being  angular,  with  a flat  projection  at  the  back. 
It  is  brown,  gray,  white  and  pinkish,  the  brown  predominating. 


Limenitis  arthemis.  Male. 

Limenitis  arthemis , although  a somewhat  smaller  butterfly  than 
the  preceding  is,  nevertheless,  a very  line  insect.  The  habitat  of 
this  species  is  much  more  northern  than  the  last  described  insect, 
being  found  throughout  the  northern  part  of  the  United  States  east 


NYMPH  AL1DJE. 


239 


of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  extending  well  up  into  Canada.  The 
butterfly  makes  its  appearance  early  in  July,  and  in  some  of  the  hilly 
and  mountainous  districts  of  New  Hampshire  is  a common  butterfly 
at  this  time.  Near  Jackson,  and  along  the  Glen  road  between  that 
place  and  the  base  of  Mount  Washington,  is  a good  locality  for  this 
insect  during  the  right  season.  It  is  quite  abundant  at  and  about 
Sunapee  Lake,  and  I have  taken  a good  many  fine  specimens  of  this 
and  the  preceding  butterfly  near  the  Sunapee  steamboat  landing.  It 
frequently  alights  in  the  road  and  on  the  wayside  bushes,  and  is  not 
very  shy,  although  a good  flyer  when  alarmed.  This  butterfly  is  on 
rare  occasions  seen  as  far  south  as  Boston,  Mass.,  and  a good  many 
specimens  have  been  taken  at  Mount  Wachusett,  near  Princeton,  in 
that  State.  There  is  little  difference  in  the  sexes  except  as  to  size, 


the  female  being  the  larger.  The  caterpillar  much  resembles  that 
of  Limenitis  Ursula  and  Limenitis  dissipus , both  as  to  shape  and  color- 
ing, except  that  as  a general  thing  there  is  more  brown  and  reddish 
brown.  The  larva  hibernates  in  the  same  way  as  the  preceding 
species,  and  in  the  next  season  completes  its  growth,  making  a chrysalis 
which,  except  in  its  smaller  size,  closely  resembles  the  other  native 
species  of  this  genus. 

An  insect,  which  in  its  coloring  differs  greatly  from  most  of  the 


Limenitis  artliemis.  Female. 


240 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


other  species  of  the  genus,  and  closely  resembles  the  butterfly  Danais 
archippus,  which  is  common  throughout  the  United  States,  is  Lirnenitis 
disippus.  This  resemblance  is  thought  by  naturalists  to  be  more 


Lirnenitis  disippus.  Male. 


than  accidental ; that  in  fact  it  is  a case  of  unconscious  mimicry,  in 
which  a butterfly  supposedly  of  good  flavor  and  therefore  eatable  to 
birds  has,  with  possibly  a slight  resemblance  at  first,  by  natural  selection 
become  more  and  more  like  a bitter  tasting  and  therefore  uneatable 
species,  until  it  is  an  almost  exact  mimic  of  it.  These  examples  of 
mimicry  are  not  rare  among  many  of  the  butterflies,  particularly  of 
tropical  countries,  and  some  exceedingly  interesting  examples  have 
been  discovered. 

I well  remember,  when  a little  boy,  thinking  that  these  two  but- 
terflies were  the  same  species,  and  I was  sorely  puzzled  to  know  how 
two  different  kinds  of  “worms”  making  two  totally  different  looking 
chrysalides  could  possibly  hatch  out  into  one  and  the  same  kind  of  but- 
terfly. It  was  not  until  I had  hatched  a good  many  that  the  truth 
gradually  dawned  upon  me.  These  butterflies  may  be  reared  in 
numbers  by  searching  out  the  hibernacula  during  the  fall  and  winter, 
and  starting  them  on  the  first  leaves  of  spring.  They  should  be  care- 
fully guarded  against  parasites  of  various  kinds,  as  the  collector  may 
repeat  the  experience  of  my  brothers,  who,  having  a number,  put  them 
to  feed  out  of  doors  enclosed  in  netting.  By  some  means  the  parasites 
made  an  entrance,  and  out  of  several  hundred  larvae  they  managed  to 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


LIMENITIS  DISIPPUS 


X YMPH  AL1ILE. 


241 


secure  four  perfect  insects.  The  parasite  is  undoubtedly  the  most 
serious  obstacle  to  the  successful  rearing  of  butterflies,  and  one  must 
be  constantly  on  the  watch  or  his  labors  may  count  for  naught. 


This  Limenitis  is  the  most  common  species  of  the  genus  in  the 
east,  and  maybe  seen  in  June  about  willows  or  poplars,  on  which  the 
larvae  feed.  Although  most  of  the  last  brood  of  larvae  hibernate  over 
winter  in  their  silk  lined  tubes,  or  cases,  at  the  ends  of  the  twigs,  a 
good  many  complete  their  transformations  in  the  late  summer  and 
fall  of  the  year,  and  the  perfect  insects  may  be  taken  in  September. 
The  tiny  green  eggs,  covered  with  a network  pattern,  are  deposited 
singly  by  the  female  near  the  tips  of  the  leaves.  The  young  larvae 
are  almost  black,  but  when  nearly  full  grown  assume  almost  the  exact 
shape  and  color  of  Limenitis  Ursula.  The  chrysalis  is  also  very  simi- 
lar to  that  species.  The  butterfly  is  not  wary  nor  a rapid  flyer,  and 
may  be  easily  taken.  It  usually  frequents  the  edges  of  lines  of 
bushes  along  rivers  and  brooks,  and  sometimes  alights  in  the  roads 
with  other  species  of  butterflies.  This  insect  inhabits  the  whole  of 
the  United  States. 

Another  butterfly,  much  resembling  the  preceding  in  shape  and 
markings,  but  of  a mahogany  color  in  place  of  the  reddish  orange  of 
the  other  species,  is  Limenitis  eros.  The  black  borders  of  the  wings 


242 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


are  very  heavy  and  the  white  spots  show  out  in  strong  contrast, 
ddie  general  color  is  so  dark  that  while  on  the  wing  the  insect  looks 
almost  black.  The  larva  of  this  butterfly  feeds  on  the  willow,  and 


Limenitis  eros. 

with  its  chrysalis  is  very  like  that  of  the  last-described  insect.  It  is 
probably  only  a well-marked  variety  of  that  form.  The  butterfly  is 
found  in  many  parts  of  the  south,  being  common  in  Florida. 

Victorina  includes  a few  butterflies  of  good  size  and  beautiful 
coloring.  The  ground  color  is  dark  brown  or  black  relieved  with 
wide  bars  and  large  oval  spots  of  green.  They  are  inhabitants  of 
tropical  America,  and  but  one  species  strays  into  the  southern  parts 
of  our  country. 

Victorina  steneles  is  a large  and  strikingly  handsome  species,  the 
large  bands  and  spots  of  light  pea  green  contrasting  in  a bold 
manner  with  the  dark  ground  color.  The  under  side  is  a most 
peculiar  combination  of  colors ; the  ground  is  light  yellowish  brown 
and  the  green  spots  of  the  upper  side  show  through  below,  though 
they  are  larger  and  more  yellowish  and  a number  of  them  are 
partially  outlined  with  dark  brown.  As  viewed  in  a side  light  the 
surface  lias  a slightly  satiny  lustre. 

This  insect  is  very  common  in  the  low  and  hotter  parts  of  Mexico 
near  the  coast,  as  well  as  in  some  of  the  islands  of  the  W est  Indies, 


Upper  side. 


Under  side. 


VICTORINA  STENELES. 


NYMPH  ALIDH3. 


245 


and  I have  had  many  sent  me  from  Para,  Brazil.  It  inhabits  open 
country  near  forests,  and  is  often  seen  with  other  butterflies  at  rest 
on  the  muddy  hanks  of  streams. 

A very  interesting  as  well  as  exceedingly  beautiful  group  of  but- 
terflies is  comprised  in  the  genus  Ageronia.  These  are  inhabitants 
of  Central  and  South  America  and  the  two  species  included  in  our 
fauna  must  be  regarded  as  stragglers  from  lands  farther  south.  The 
insects  belonging  to  tins  group  are  of  good  size  and  are  richly 
colored  with  spots  and  irregular  lines,  various  shades  of  blue,  brown 
and  light  gray  predominating  in  some  species.  One  of  the  most 


Ageronia  ferona. 


beautiful  is  an  intense  blue  black  with  spots  of  light  blue  above  and 
red  spots  beneath.  Another  lias  a very  pleasing  pattern  of  blue 
spots  and  lines  on  a black  ground  above,  while  beneath  a large  part 
of  the  surface  is  bright  red.  These  butterflies  are  frequently  seen  in 
the  neighborhood  of  dwellings  among  scattered  trees,  and  invariably 
alight  on  their  trunks  head  downwards,  with  the  wings  spread  wide 
open.  They  are  exceedingly  pugnacious,  engaging  in  fierce  battles 
with  one  another,  and  driving  away  other  butterflies  who  may 
venture  near  their  chosen  retreat.  Most  curious  to  relate,  they  make 
while  on  the  wing  a snapping  or  clicking  noise  with  their  wings, 
which  may  be  heard  at  a distance  of  two  or  three  rods.  They  are 


24G 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


easily  taken  with  the  net  when  once  one  learns  their  habits,  for  on 
being  disturbed  they  usually  fly  downward  from  the  tree  trunk  on 
which  they  are  at  rest,  and  the  collector  placing  his  net  beneath  is 
almost  sure  to  be  rewarded  with  a capture. 

Ageronia  ferona  is  grayish  brown  with  rings  and  irregular  lines 
of  blue  and  black.  There  are  a number  of  large  and  small  white  or 
light  gray  spots  on  the  upper  wings  and  a few  on  the  lower  pair. 


Ageronia  ferona.  Under  side. 


The  under  side  is  much  lighter,  being  almost  white,  with  black 
markings.  In  very  fresh  and  perfect  specimens  there  is  a pinkish 
tint  with  a satiny  gloss  over  the  whole  surface  beneath. 

In  Ageronia  fornax  the  upper  side  is  colored  much  like  the 
preceding  insect,  but  the  under  side  of  the  lower  wings  is  light 
yellowish  brown  instead  of  white,  and  the  large  spots  on  the  lower 
wings  of  Ageronia  ferona  have  almost  disappeared  in  this  species. 
These  two  insects  are  occasionally  taken  in  southern  Texas.  I know 
nothing  of  the  early  stages  of  these  butterflies. 

To  the  genera  of  Hypolimnas  belongs  a number  of  good-sized 
handsome  butterflies,  generally  dark  in  color,  with  purple  and  blue 
reflections  and  large  white  spots.  These  butterflies  are  confined 
almost  wholly  to  the  tropics  of  Asia,  Africa  and  Oceanica  and  are 
frequently  very  abundant  where  they  are  found. 


Upper  side. 


Under  side. 


AGEROXIA  FORNAX. 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


249 


Hypolimnas  misippus  is  a common  insect  in  tropical  Asia,  Africa 
and  Australia,  as  well  as  South  America,  and  is  occasionally  to  be 
found  within  the  borders  of  our  own  country  in  southern  Florida. 
In  the  males  the  color  is  dark  purple  and  blue  black  with  a large 
oval  white  spot  near  the  middle  of  each  fore  wing  and  a small  one  at 
the  upper  angle.  A large  circular  white  spot  occupies  the  middle  of 
each  lower  wing.  In  a ring  around  the  white  spots  the  metallic 
purple  is  most  conspicuous  and  will  be  seen  to  the  best  advantage 


when  the  insect  is  held  in  a slanting  position  with  its  head  toward 
the  observer,  particularly  if  the  light  be  at  his  back. 

In  strong  contrast  to  the  male,  the  female  is  reddish  orange,  the 
upper  wings  being  blackish  brown  on  the  upper  and  outer  portion 
with  several  conspicuous  white  spots  arranged  in  air  irregular  row 
crossing  the  outer  third  of  the  wing.  Two  rows  of  small  light  spots 
follow  the  outer  margin.  The  lower  wings  are  black  bordered, 
containing  faint  orange  spots  along  their  outer  margin. 

The  male  insect  is  brown  and  black  below  with  large  white 
patches,  which  in  the  lower  wings  cover  half  their  area.  The  female 
is  much  alike  in  coloring  on  both  sides. 

The  female  butterfly  differs  in  such  a striking  manner  from  the 
male  that  one  would  never  p-uess  that  they  were  related.  It  has  a 
decided  look  like  a Danais  and  is  supposed  to  mimic  species  of  that 


250 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


genus.  Indeed,  so  exactly  does  it  imitate  an  Indian  species  of 
Danais  inhabiting  the  same  region  with  it  that  no  one  but  a 


Hypolimnas  misippus.  Male.  Underside. 

naturalist  would  ever  imagine  that  they  were  distinct  species  belong- 
ing to  different  genera. 


Hypolimnas  misippus.  Female. 


This  insect  is  rather  shy  and  difficult  of  approach,  and  when  once 
alarmed  flies  rapidly  high  up  into  the  air.  It  is  fond  of  the  sweets 
from  flowers,  and  when  at  rest  on  a fragrant  blossom  intent  on 
extracting  the  honey  it  is  most  easily  captured. 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


251 


Aii  allied  but  larger  species,  Hypolimnas  bolina , 1 have  seen  very 
abundant  in  northern  Australia,  where  the  gorse  hedges  covered  with 
yellow  blossoms  were  a great  attraction  to  it.  One  could  approach 
closely  and  take  these  tine  insects  with  little  difficulty.  Oh  ! but 
they  were  beauties,  many  of  them  fresh  from  their  chrysalides  ; and 
when  one  opened  the  velvety  black  and  rich,  shining  blue  wings  of  a 
captive,  the  sight  was  dazzling  and  inspiring.  One  would  think 
that  having  so  good  an  opportunity  I would  have  captured  all  I 
would  ever  be  able  to  dispose  of,  but  I am  sorry  to  say  that  I have 
now  but  one  specimen  of  the  number  1 took. 


Hypolimnas  misippus.  Female.  Under  side. 


It  can  hardly  be  impressed  too  strongly  on  the  mind  of  the  col- 
lector that  he  should  la}r  in  large  numbers  of  any  good  thing  which 
he  may  find  particularly  abundant  at  any  time. 

The  beginner  frequently  starts  with  the  idea  that  he  will  make  a 
collection  containing  one  specimen  of  each  species  found  in  his 
immediate  neighborhood.  I remember  hearing  a little  boy  talking 
with  his  sister,  to  whom  he  had  loaned  his  new  butterfly  net,  and 
who  had  just  come  in  with  three  splendid  specimens  of  Papilio 
turnus , something  after  this  fashion : “ How  many  of  these  things 
do  you  think  I want,  any  way?  I just  caught  two  myself.  Now 
don't  get  any  more,  for  goodness’ sake.”  Well,  after  he  has  made  a 
start  he  begins  to  notice  that  all  specimens  of  the  same  species  are 


252 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


not.  alike ; the  males  and  females  differ,  and  interesting'  varieties  are 
occasionally  taken.  Then  lie  wishes  to  show  both  the  upper  and  the 
under  side  of  the  species,  and  at  length  he  falls  in  with  some  other 
beginner  who  wants  to  exchange,  and  he  then  thinks  of  the  many 
good  specimens  he  might  have  collected.  1 1 is  ideas  enlarge  with  his 
collections;  his  collector  friends  and  his  need  for  good  specimens  for 
exchange  constantly  increase,  and  the  truth  finally  dawns  on  him 
that  large  numbers  of  first-class  specimens  are  not  only  a conven- 
ience but  almost  a necessity  if  he  desires  to  increase  his  oavu  col- 
lection beyond  the  limits  of  those  which  he  can  himself  capture. 

Alfred  Russell  Wallace  once  told  me  that  one  of  the  hardest  les- 
sons lie  had  to  learn  in  his  many  years  of  collecting  in  tropical  coun- 
tries was  that  it  is  hardly  possible  to  get  too  many  specimens  of  a 


good  species  of  bird,  shell,  beetle  or  butterfly,  and  that  on  several 
occasions  he  had  retraced  his  journey  hundreds  of  miles  to  little 
known  islands  to  procure  additional  specimens  of  species  he  had  pre- 
viously" collected,  at  the  time  supposing  he  had  taken  all  he  would 
ever  need. 

One  person  can  cover  but  a small  portion  of  the  earth’s  surface 
during  a lifetime,  and  one  can  expect  to  collect  personally  but  a 


Timetes  petreus. 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


253 


small  per  cent,  of  the  grand  insects  known.  But  by  exchange  the 
treasures  of  distant  lands  may  be  accumulated  and  the  pick  of  the 
lepidoptera  of  the  world  gathered  in  one’s  cabinets. 

Timetes  is  a genus  of  butterflies  easily  recognized,  the  species 
differing  widely  in  general  appearance  from  others  of  the  Nymph- 
alidce.  The  lower  wings  are  furnished  with  long;  tails,  suggesting- 
slightly  the  Papilionidce. 

The  coloring  in  some  of  the  species  is  very  pleasing,  rich  browns 
being  contrasted  with  orange  and  tan,  while  metallic  purple  and  blue 
adorn  some  of  them.  Many  of  the  kinds  are  streaked  vertically  with 
brown  and  black.  The  under  side  is  usually  much  lighter  than  the 
upper.  The  genus  is  confined  almost  wholly  to  tropical  America, 
and  but  a few  species  are  reported  as  occuring  within  the  borders  of 
the  United  States,  and  these  at  the  extreme  south. 


While  my  brothers  were  in  Colombia,  South  America,  on  the 
banks  of  the  Magdalena  River  they  found  the  different  species  of 
Timetes  not  uncommon,  and  captured  a good  number.  They  fre- 
quented low,  open  or  sparsely  wooded  districts,  and  were  often  seen 
about  the  muddy  pools  in  the  roads  in  company  with  the  various 
species  of  Callidryas.  They  were  not  very  si iyr. 


Timetes  petreus.  Under  side. 


254 


MOTHS  ANI)  BUTTERFLIES. 


Timetes  petreus  is  very  angular  in  outline,  at  first  sight  giving- 
one  the  idea  that  some  one  had  tried  the  experiment  of  seeing  what 
a grotesque  creature  he  could  manufacture.  The  upper  wings  have 
a slight  resemblance  to  those  of  G-rapta.  The  tails  are  long,  and 
blunt  at  the  ends.  The  colors  of  the  wings  are  dark  reddish  orange 
streaked  and  margined  with  black.  The  under  side  is  light  brown 
of  various  shades  tinged  with  pink.  The  body  and  a narrow  band 
along  the  inner  margin  of  the  lower  wings  is  light  huff. 


Timetes  coresia.  Male. 


One  of  the  most  strikingly  colored  species  of  this  genus  is  Timetes 
coresia.  The  upper  side  is  a rich  dark  brown  deepening  to  black  in 
a hand  across  the  middle  of  each  wing,  with  a lighter  reddish  brown 
space  along  the  outer  margin  of  all  four  wings.  In  strong  contrast 
to  this  dark  coloring  is  the  very  light  under  side.  The  inner  half  of 
the  wings  is  almost  pure  white  with  two  or  three  faint  lines  of  brown 
crossing  them.  The  outer  half  is  light  brown  and  huff  with  an  irreg- 
ular reddish  brown  band  following  the  outline  of  the  white  area 
across  the  wings.  This  butterfly  is  not  at  all  common,  and  one 


NYMPH  AMD  JE. 


255 


rarely  sees  it  in  small  collections  of  tropical  American  insects,  but 
doubtless,  like  so  many  creatures  which  are  considered  rare,  it  is 
abundant  enough  in  certain  localities  at  certain  seasons. 


Ti metes  cliiron. 


Timetes  cliiron.  Under  side. 


A species  of  this  genus,  which  is  not  rare  within  the  borders  of 
the  United  States,  and  which  in  Central  America  may  be  taken  in 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


256 

numbers,  is  Timetes  cltiron.  The  wings  are  brown,  streaked  verti- 
cally with  heavy  black  bands,  and  with  a few  light  dots  upon  the 
outer  third  of  the  upper  wings.  The  body  is  black  and  dark  brown. 
On  the  under  side  the  color  is  much  lighter,  particularly  the  inner 
half  of  the  wings,  which  is  light  gray  with  a pinkish  tinge  streaked 
with  lines  of  tan  and  bordered  outwardly  with  a wide  band  of  creamy 
white.  The  outer  half  of  the  wings  is  light  purplish  brown  with 
numerous  vague  lines  and  markings  of  tan,  purple  and  bluish  black. 
The  body  is  creamy  white  below.  This  insect  may  be  found  in 
Florida  and  Texas. 

A group  of  small  but  highly  colored  butterflies  comprises  the 
genus  Call  [core.  The  upper  surface  of  the  wings  is  usually  velvety 
black,  sometimes  with  deep  purple  or  blue  reflections  to  be  seen  in 
certain  lights.  Bars  of  brilliant  shining  blue  or  purple  usually  cross 


Callicore  clymeua. 

both  wings.  The  under  side  is  totally  different  from  the  upper, 
bright  vermilion  or  deep  pink  usually  occupying  the  greater  part  of 
the  upper  wings,  while  the  lower  pair  are  white  or  light  gray  and 
adorned  with  curious  lines  and  markings,  which  in  several  of  the 
species  look  like  rude  figures  and  letters. 

Tropical  America  is  the  home  of  this  genus,  and  at  the  end  of  the 
wet  season  the  muddy  roads  through  the  luxuriant  forests  are  often 
enlivened  by  the  brilliant  patches  of  color  displayed  by  groups  of 
these  little  butterflies  at  rest  sipping  the  moisture  from  the  pools. 
When  disturbed  they  rise  in  a little  cloud,  displaying  the  deep  red 
and  flashing  blue  as  they  flit  about,  making  an  animated  and  highly 
colored  picture. 


NYMPH  ALIDiE. 


257 


Although  several  kinds  of  these  interesting  butterflies  inhabit 
Mexico  and  Central  America,  but  one  species  is  found  within  the 
United  States.  This  is  Callicore  clymena , and,  like  most  of  the  others 
of  this  group  of  butterflies,  it  is  a bright  and  pretty  insect.  The 
upper  surface  is  deep  black  with  a wide  band  of  satiny  bluish  green 
crossing  the  upper  wings  diagonally,  with  a line  of  the  same  color 
following  the  outer  margin  of  the  lower  wings.  A few  scattering 
blue  scales  are  usually  to  be  seen  next  the  base  of  the  upper  wings, 
and  a small  white  spot  is  located  near  the  upper  angle.  The  body 
is  black.  On  the  under  side  the  upper  wings  from  their  base  out- 
ward are  crimson  for  two-thirds  of  their  area.  This  color  is  mar- 
gined outwardly  with  a heavy  black  band,  beyond  which  are  two 
light  gray  lines  and  two  black  lines  occupying  the  triangular  space 
at  the  point  of  the  wing.  The  lower  wings  are  light  gray,  in  some 
specimens  brownish  gray.  These  are  marked  in  the  characteristic 
manner  of  the  genus  with  black  lines  and  figures  which  resemble 
clumsily  made  letters  or  numbers,  the  general  character  of  which  can 
be  best  understood  by  reference  to  the  accompanying  illustration. 


Callicore  clymena.  Under  side. 

The  upper  margin  of  the  wings  is  adorned  with  a band  of  crimson. 
The  body  is  gray  beneath;  the  antennae  are  black  tipped  with 
yellow. 

This  butterfly  is  very  common  in  Mexico,  Central  America  and 
Colombia,  and  my  brothers  took  many  specimens  in  the  latter  country 
while  there.  They  were  frequently  seen  in  clusters  on  the  dark  mud 
on  the  banks  of  streams  resting  with  their  wings  spread.  They  were 
not  shy,  but  when  disturbed  rose  a short  distance  above  the  ground, 
and  flew  about  in  a confused  manner.  The  only  locality  where 


258 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


this  insect  is  found  within  the  borders  of  our  country  is  in  the 
southern  part  of  Florida. 

The  genus  Eunica  contains  many  very  richly  colored  butterflies 
of  medium  size.  The  ground  color  is  often  deep  black  or  brown 
with  bars  or  patches  of  rich  shining  blue  or  purple  in  some  species, 


Eunica  monima.  Upper  side. 


while  in  others  the  blue  or  purple  extends  almost  over  the  whole 
surface  of  the  wings  when  the  insect  is  held  in  certain  lights. 
The  under  side  is  often  prettily  colored  with  different  shades  of 
brownish  gray  tinged  with  pink  or  purple,  relieved  with  spots  and 
markings  of  deep  brown  or  blue  black. 


Eunica  monima.  Under  side. 


These  insects  are  numerous  both  in  species  and  individuals  in 
tropical  America,  where  they  often  congregate  on  the  muddy  banks 
of  streams  during  the  hot,  quiet  hours  of  the  morning.  They  are  not 
very  swift  flyers,  and  the  native  collectors  of  Colombia  capture  large 
numbers  of  them.  Even  in  small  collections  from  that  country  one 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


259 


will  often  see  the  rich  blue  and  purple  of  several  of  these  insects 
among  other  butterfly  habitants  of  that  tropical  land.  Their  scales 
are  very  easily  loosened  and  their  coloring  is  so  dark  and  rich  that  a 
slight  touch  on  the  wings  with  the  fingers  will  seriously  injure  a 
specimen.  The  native  Indian  collectors  are  very  careless  in  their 
manner  of  handling  the  insects  the}r  capture,  and  it  is  sometimes 
enough  to  make  one’s  heart  ache  to  see  some  rare  and  gorgeous  little 
creature,  that  would  delight  a collector  and  pay  him  for  a day  of  hard 
exertion,  ruined  by  the  clumsy  finger-marks  of  its  Indian  captor,  who 
simply  looked  upon  this  specimen,  with  hundreds  of  others,  as  a 
means  of  purchasing  a keg  of  rum. 

Our  own  native  species,  Eunica  monima , is  a rather  plain  insect, 
being  brown  above  with  slightly  purple  reflections,  while  beneath  it 
is  brownish  gray  tinged  with  pink,  having  a few  faint  yellowish  spots 
on  the  upper  wings  and  faint  lines  of  brown  on  the  lower  pair.  It  is 
occasionally  taken  in  southern  Florida. 


Eurema  letlie. 


Another  straggler  from  tropical  America,  which  is  occasionally 
found  north  of  Mexico  in  Texas,  is  Eurema  letlie. 

The  genus  to  which  it  belongs  is  not  a large  one,  and  is  mostly 
confined  to  Central  and  South  America.  This  insect  is  marked  in  a 
bold  manner,  and,  although  not  displaying  the  iridescent  tints  of 
many  of  the  butterflies  from  the  same  region,  it  is  rich  in  coloring. 


260 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


The  ground  color  on  the  upper  wings  is  brownish  orange  with  heavy 
black  bands.  The  lower  pair  are  of  a darker  shade  with  spots  and 
markings  of  black.  The  body  is  brown  with  a slightly  greenish 
tinge  on  the  thorax.  Beneath  the  ground  color  of  the  upper  wings 
and  the  upper  half  of  the  lower  wings  is  buff  yellow,  the  lower  half 


Eurema  letbe.  Under  side. 


being  wood  brown.  Over  both  sets  of  wings  are  numerous  brown 
markings,  the  general  character  of  which  may  be  readily  understood 
by  reference  to  the  illustration.  The  insects  from  which  these  figures 
were  made  were  taken  in  Colombia  by  my  brothers.  The  butterfly 
is  a strong  and  rapid  flyer,  having  a stout  thorax  with  powerful  mus- 
cles for  the  rapid  movement  of  the  wings. 

Another  genus  of  butterflies,  whose  home  is  tropical  America,  is 
Anartia.  There  are  but  three  or  four  species  belonging  to  this 
genus,  and  but  one  inhabits  the  southern  part  of  the  United  States. 
These  insects  are  of  medium  size  and  plain  in  colors,  though  not 
without  a certain  beauty. 

Our  native  species,  Anartia  jatrophce , is  light  gray  with  brown 
and  black  markings  and  spots,  and  having  a reddish  or  yellowish 
brown  double  row  of  crescent-shaped  spots  following  the  outer  mar- 
gins of  both  sets  of  wings.  Individuals  vary  a good  deal  in  intensity 
of  coloring,  some  being  almost  white  in  ground  color,  the  outer 
margins  of  the  wings  being  yellowish,  while  others  are  dark  brown 
along  the  margins,  with  but  little  red  or  yellow.  The  under  side  is 
light  creamy  white  shading  to  gray,  with  pale  bars  of  brown  and  the 


NYMPHALID.zE. 


261 


round  black  spots  of  the  upper  side.  A red  line  follows  the  shape  of 
the  wings  a short  distance  in  from  the  outer  margins,  and  several 


Anartia  jatroplite.  Male. 


other  red  lines  accompany  the  brown  markings  on  both  sets  of  win 
A faint  ring  of  red  surrounds  the  black  spots  on  the  lower  win 


Anartia  jatropliaj.  Female. 


The  illustrations  will  o-ive  a better  idea  of  the  insect  than  any  de- 

O J 

scription.  The  sexes  differ  a good  deal  in  size,  but  are  otherwise 
marked  much  alike. 


'oo  So 


262 


MOT  1 1 S AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


This  insect  is  very  common  near  the  city  of  Para,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Amazon.  Here  it  inhabits  grassy  districts,  and  when 
alarmed  rises  but  a short  distance  above  the  grass  tops  in  its 


Anartia  jatroplise.  Under  side. 


flight.  It  is  slow  on  the  wing  and  is  not  difficult  to  capture.  It 
is  found  within  the  borders  of  our  country,  in  southern  Florida  and 
Texas. 

Junonia  is  a genus  containing  some  very  prettily  marked  and 
spotted  butterflies.  Most  of  the  species  are  found  within  the  tropics 
both  of  the  Old  and  the  New  Worlds. 

One  of  the  handsomest  species  of  this  genus  is  Junonia  ccenia. 
It  varies  a good  deal  in  coloring,  especially  on  the  under  side,  which 
in  some  specimens  is  a yellowish  gray  and  in  others  a maroon  gray. 
Also  in  the  size  of  the  eye-like  spots  of  the  upper  side  there  is  a good 
deal  of  variation.  This  insect  is  sometimes  found  as  far  north  as 
Massachusetts,  numbers  having'  been  taken  the  last  two  seasons  in 
the  town  of  Medford  in  that  State.  In  the  south  and  west  it  is 
sometimes  very  abundant,  and  I have  seen  it  near  Stockton,  in  Cali- 
fornia, during  July,  one  of  the  commonest  of  butterflies.  It  haunts 
open  fields,  and  among  the  low  flowering  plants  it  delights  to  sport. 
Although  a good  flyer,  it  is  not  very  shy.  The  caterpillar  is  dark, 
varying  from  brown  to  brownish  purple,  darker  on  the  back,  and 
having  pale  stripes  on  the  sides.  It  is  adorned  with  numerous 
branching  spines  along  the  sides  and  back.  It  feeds  on  the  leaves 
of  the  plantain. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


JUNONIA  COENIA 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


263 


The  chrysalis  is  stout  and  somewhat  angular,  having  spines  along 
the  back  of  the  abdominal  part.  It  is  usually  brown  in  color,  some- 
times yellowish  brown,  with  the  tips  of  the  spines  reddish. 


Juuonia  genoveva.  Male. 

In  the  extreme  southern  part  of  the  country  is  found  another 
species  of  this  genus,  Junonia  genoveva.  The  insect  is  a good  deal 
darker  than  Junonia  ccenia , but  is  otherwise  marked  much  like  it. 


Junonia  genoveva.  Male.  Underside. 

The  ground  color  of  the  wings  is  dark  brown,  and  in  some  specimens 
a dark  greenish  shade  is  noticeable,  particularly  on  the  lower  wings. 
I have  never  seen  the  insect  alive,  and  the  specimens  here  figured 
were  taken  in  Colombia,  South  America,  by  my  brothers. 


264 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


Another  form,  Junonia  lavinia , is  lighter  in  general  coloring 
than  either  of  the  preceding,  but  is  marked  very  similar  to  the 
last  named  species.  The  upper  wings  are  more  pointed,  and  the 
lower  pair  have  more  prominent  points  on  their  outer  margins 
than  our  other  native  species. 


Some  of  the  most  beautiful  as  well  as  the  most  widely  distributed 
and  best  known  butterflies  are  included  in  the  three  genera  of  Pyra- 
meis, Vanessa  and  (Irapta. 

In  Pyrameis  the  wings  are  scalloped,  but  not  angular,  the  larvae 
are  armed  with  branching  spines,  and  they  live  a solitary  life  within 
a rolled  leaf.  The  chrysalides  are  angular  on  the  sides,  and  on  the 
back  of  the  thorax  is  a sharp  ridge.  Rows  of  small  tubercles  follow 
down  the  back  of  the  abdomen.  The  chrysalides  are  often  objects  of 
great  beauty,  looking  as  if  made  in  part  or  wholly  of  gold,  and 
highly  polished.  This  brilliant  coloring  is  gradually  lost  as  the  time 
for  the  hatching  of  the  butterfly  draws  near. 

A very  pretty  butterfly  is  Pyrameis  at  al  ant  a , and  the  bars  of 
orange  red  on  its  dark  wings  make  it  a very  conspicuous  object,  and 
one  of  the  first  to  adorn  the  cabinet  of  the  young  entomologist.  It 
frequently  hibernates  over  winter  and  is  among  the  earliest  butter- 
flies to  make  its  appearance  in  the  spring,  though  such  specimens  are 
usually  very  much  faded  and  worn  and  look  as  if  the  frosts  of  winter 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PYRAMEIS  ATALANTA 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


265 


had  bleached  them.  The  insect  is  said  to  hibernate  in  the  chrysalis 
state  also,  but  I have  never  been  able  to  find  the  chrysalides  in 
winter. 

The  first  brood  usually  hatches  in  July,  while  the  second  begins 
to  come  out  in  September,  and  specimens  may  be  seen  from  then  on 
till  it  is  too  cold  for  them  to  fly.  They  are  very  partial  to  decaying 


sweet  apples  or  pears,  and  when  contentedly  sucking  the  half  fer- 
mented cider  are  easily  approached  and  captured.  Rum  and  mo- 
lasses, the  same  bait  used  for  moths,  is  attractive  to  this  insect, 
and  one  may  sometimes  see  several  of  these  butterflies  at  a time 
about  the  bait,  especially  if  there  are  no  strong  smelling  flowers  or 
decayed  fruits  near.  An  over-ripe  banana  split  in  halves  is  an 
excellent  bait  for  this  and  several  other  allied  butterflies. 

The  coloring  of  the  under  side  of  the  wings  is  protective,  and 
when  the  insect  has  alighted  on  an  old  rail  or  the  trunk  of  a tree 
with  its  wings  closely  pressed  together  it  is  a difficult  object  to  see. 
Its  flight  is  strong  and  rapid,  and  although  so  bright  an  object  while 
on  the  wing  it  is  abundantly  able  to  take  care  of  itself.  Mr.  Harris, 
in  his  “Insects  Injurious  to  Vegetation,”  gives  a very  well  written 
account  of  the  habits  of  this  insect  in  its  larva  state,  which  I have 
thought  best  to  insert  here.  He  says:  “The  atalanta  butterfly  was 
probably  introduced  into  America  from  Europe  with  the  common 
nettle,  which  it  inhabits.  It  deposits  its  eggs  in  May  upon  the 
youngest  and  smallest  leaves  of  this  plant,  being  cautious  to  drop 
only  one  upon  a single  leaf.  The  young  caterpillar  is  guarded 
against  injury  from  the  poison  prickles  of  the  leaf  by  the  numerous 
branching  spines  with  which  it  is  covered,  and  which,  being  longer 
than  the  prickles,  prevent  its  body  from  coming  in  contact  with  the 
latter.  The  head  is  covered  with  a tough  shell,  which  sufficiently 
protects  this  part,  while  its  strong  and  horny  jaws  are  adapted  for 
cutting  and  chewing  the  leaves  and  their  prickles  with  impunity. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


26(3 

As  soon  as  the  caterpillar  is  hatched,  it  spins  a little  web  to  cover 
itself,  securing  the  threads  all  round  to  the  edges  of  the  leaf,  so  as  to 
bend  upwards  the  sides  and  form  a kind  of  trough,  in  which  it 
remains  concealed.  One  end  of  the  cavity  is  open,  and  through  this 
the  caterpillar  thrusts  its  head  while  eating.  It  begins  with  the 
extremity  of  the  folded  leaf,  and  eats  downwards,  and,  as  it  gradu- 
ally consumes  its  habitation,  it  retreats  backwards,  till  at  last, 
having,  as  it  were,  eaten  itself  out  of  house  and  home,  it  is  forced  to 
abandon  its  imperfect  shelter,  and  construct  a new  one.  This  is 
better  than  the  first,  for  the  insect  has  become  larger  and  stronger, 
and  withal  more  skilful  from  experience.  The  sides  of  the  larger 
leaf  selected  for  its  new  habitation  are  drawn  together  by  silken 
threads,  so  that  the  edges  of  the  leaf  meet  closely  and  form  a light 
and  commodious  cavity,  which  securely  shelters  and  completely  con- 
ceals the  included  caterpillar.  This  in  time  is  eaten  like  the  first, 
and  another  is  formed  in  like  manner.  At  length  the  caterpillar 
having  eaten  up  and  constructed  several  dwellings  in  succession,  and 
changed  its  skin  three  or  four  times,  comes  to  its  full  size,  leaves  off 
eating  and  seeks  a suitable  place  in  which  to  undergo  its  transforma- 
tions. The  3'oung  caterpillars  are  almost  black ; the  full-grown 
ones  measure  about  one  inch  and  a half,  are  generally  of  a brown 
color  more  or  less  dotted  with  white,  with  a black  head,  rough  with 
elevated  white  points,  with  white  branching  spines  on  the  back,  and 
on  each  side  there  is  a row  of  yellow  crescents.  The  chrysalis  is 
gray,  with  a whitish  bloom  upon  it  like  that  on  a plum,  and  the 
little  pointed  tubercles  on  its  back  are  gold  colored.  The  chrysalis 
state  continues  about  ten  days,  or  longer  if  the  weather  be  cool  and 
wet.” 

The  caterpillars  of  this  butterfly  are  frequently  so  abundant  as  to 
almost  strip  the  leaves  from  the  nettles,  and  being  protected  as  they 
are  from  the  sight  of  their  enemies  one  would  naturally  think  that 
their  chances  of  life  in  the  struggle  for  existence  were  very  good. 
However,  if  a number  of  the  full-grown  larvae  are  collected  and  ex- 
amined, one  will  soon  see  the  eggs  of  the  ichneumon  flies,  for  these 
parasites  have  very  sharp  eyes  and  even  in  his  curled-leaf  home  the 
caterpillar  of  Pyrameis  atalanta  is  not  exempt  from  the  fate  that 
awaits  ninety-nine  one-hundredths  of  his  relatives  of  other  species. 

A butterfly  having  almost  a world-wide  range  is  Pyrameis  cardui. 
This  insect  has  succeeded  in  establishing  itself  over  Europe,  Asia,  a 
good  part  of  North  and  South  America  and  the  Sandwich  Islands, 


NYMPHALID.E. 


2G7 


and  varieties  or  closely  allied  forms  are  found  in  New  Zealand  and 
Australia.  It  does  seem  strange  indeed  in  a land  where  the  trees, 
flowers,  birds  and  mammals  are  all  new  to  one  and  where  every  few 
steps  bring  one  in  contact  with  something  never  before  seen,  to 
suddenly  come  upon  a bright  little  butterfly  as  well  known  as  the 
faces  of  one's  near  relatives,  and  looking,  like  the  other  inhabitants 
of  the  country,  perfectly  at  home.  It  is  like  meeting  a friend  of 
one’s  childhood  in  a distant  land. 

The  insect  is  double-brooded  in  our  latitude,  the  butterflies  of  the 
first  brood  making  their  appearance  early  in  June  and  others  later 
in  August.  Flowers  are  very  attractive  to  this  insect,  and  in 
favored  seasons  a patch  of  the  second  growth  of  clover  will  be  found 
a good  hunting  ground  for  them.  They  are  agile  and  restless 
creatures,  seldom  remaining  long  in  one  spot,  and  flying  very  rapidly 
when  once  alarmed.  In  neglected  pastures,  where  thistles,  the  food 
plant  of  the  larva,  abound,  one  may  usually  look  for  this  insect  with 
good  prospects  of  finding  it  plentiful.  The  species  is  very  common 
in  Tennessee,  and  the  largest  and  finest  specimens  I have  ever  seen 
came  from  that  State.  In  fact,  those  from  which  the  transfers  for 
this  work  were  made  are  from  that  region. 

Besides  the  thistle  the  caterpillar  feeds  on  the  leaves  of  the 
burdock  and  sunflower,  and  with  silken  webs  curls  over  the  edge  of 
the  leaf  beneath  which  it  lives  and  feeds,  finally,  as  in  the  preceding 
species  rendering  its  home  uninhabitable  and  constructing  a new 
one.  The  caterpillar  is  dark  brown  or  black  striped  with  yellowish 
brown  on  the  sides,  and  is  armed  with  many  branching  spines  of  a 
gray  color  tipped  with  black.  The  chrysalis,  which  is  often  sus- 
pended from  the  under  side  of  a leaf  of  its  food  plant,  is  an  exceed- 
ingly beautiful  object,  being  brown  or  purple  brown  with  spots  of 
burnished  gold  on  its  sides  and  back,  and  looking  more  like  a 
jewelled  ear-ring  than  the  nymph  of  a butterfly. 

Another  butterfly  closely  related  to  the  preceding  and  looking 
much  like  it  in  all  three  stages  of  its  existence  is  Pyrameis  Jmntera. 
In  habits  it  also  much  resembles  Pyrameis  cardui , while  the  cater- 
pillar feeds  on  the  same  plants.  When  fresh  and  perfect  this  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  of  butterflies,  the  lings  and  lines  on  the  under 
side  of  the  wings  of  delicate  tints  being  arranged  in  a very  pleasing 
manner.  This  insect  is  found  over  all  of  temperate  North  America, 
and  with  Pyrameis  cardui  and  Pyrameis  atalanta  is  frequently  seen 
in  the  fields  of  clover  and  on  the  blossoms  of  the  thistle. 


268 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


A very  curious  form  of  this  species  was  captured  in  Dover, 
Mass.,  in  August  of  1898.  This  specimen  is  now  in  my  possession 
and  a figure  of  each  side  of  it  is  here  given.  The  colors  above  are 


Pyrameis  liuntera. 


streaked  and  run.  together  and  beneath  the  wings  are  almost  white 
on  their  outer  portion.  Unfortunately  the  specimen  was  damaged 
before  it  reached  me.  What  could  cause  such  a variation  in  the 


color  and  markings  of  a single  individual  it  is  difficult  to  say.  Such 
variations  are  rare,  but  in  catching  hundreds  of  specimens  they  now 
and  then  come  to  the  net  of  the  collector. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


FYRAMEIS  HUNTERA 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


269 


In  the  genus  Vanessa  the  insects  are  of  medium  size,  and  their 
wings  are  notched  or  somewhat  angular  in  outline.  They  inhabit 
the  temperate  regions  of  the  earth  and  are  strong  and  hardy  butter- 
flies, frequently  withstanding  the  rigors  of  a semi-arctic  winter  in  a 
torpid  state  and  reappearing  the  first  warm  days  among  the  earlier 
harbingers  of  spring. 

The  Vanessa  antiopa  is  one  of  our  commonest  and  best  known 
butterflies,  and,  from  the  ease  with  which  the  larvae  are  gathered  and 
reared,  it  is  one  of  the  first  insects  with  which  the  beginner  is  likely 
to  become  acquainted  in  all  its  stages. 

The  butterflies,  very  worn  and  faded,  make  their  appearance  early 
in  the  spring,  coming  out  from  their  winter  quarters,  where  they 
have  hibernated  among  heaps  of  stones,  beneath  the  loosened  bark  of 
decayed  trees,  etc.,  frequently  before  the  snow  has  left  the  ground  in 
the  forests. 

The  females  lay  their  eggs  in  clusters  on  the  twigs  of  the  poplar, 
elm  and  willow  and  on  hatching  out  the  dark  colored,  spiny  larvae 
live  a gregarious  existence  until  they  are  full  grown,  when  they 
separate  and,  descending  the  tree  on  which  they  have  lived,  suspend 
themselves  by  the  posterior  legs  to  a mat  of  silk  spun  beneath  the 
projecting  point  of  a rock  in  a stone  wall,  or  under  the  top  board  of 
some  fence,  to  await  their  transformation  to  the  chrysalis  state. 
These  larvae  frequently  damage  the  shade-trees  in  our  suburban 
towns  to  no  small  extent. 

The  larva  when  fully  grown  is  dark  brown  in  color  with  a row  of 
red  spots  running  down  the  middle  of  the  back.  It  is  covered  with 
formidable  branching  spines,  and  the  caterpillars  are  often  clustered 
together  on  a branch  in  such  a mass  as  to  make  it  bend  down  with 
their  weight.  One  will  often  see  the  sidewalks  sprinkled  with  their 
droppings,  the  branches  overhead  being  stripped  of  their  leaves  by 
these  insects. 

The  chrysalis  is  angular  and  spiny,  of  a brown  or  purple  brown 
color,  with  rows  of  reddish  colored  tubercles  on  the  back  of  the 
abdomen. 

If  one  wishes  to  watch  the  transformation  from  larva  to  chrysalis 
and  from  chrysalis  to  butterfly,  there  is  no  insect,  to  my  knowledge, 
where  the  whole  process  is  so  easily  studied.  The  caterpillars  may 
be  procured  by  the  hundred  when  nearly  full  grown,  and  by  putting 
them  in  a roomy  box  with  a few  handfuls  of  fresh  leaves  one  will 
have  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  them  attach  themselves  to  the  cover 


270 


MOTITS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


within  a few  days  from  the  time  they  were  gathered.  Their  change 
to  the  chrysalis  state  is  an  interesting  operation,  and  by  placing  the 
box  cover  in  a horizontal  position,  where  one  can  watch  it  from 
below,  the  minutest  detail  in  the  process  may  be  watched  with  ease. 
Then,  too,  one  has  not  long  to  wait  for  the  butterflies  to  hatch,  and 
in  this  way  a fine  lot  of  perfect  specimens  is  assured. 


On  emerging  from  its  chrysalis  the  butterfly  voids  a red  colored 
liquid  which  looks  somewhat  like  drops  of  blood.  As  many  of  these 
butterflies  and  allied  species  frequently  hatch  at  about  the  same 
time,  the  sprinkling  of  this  red  liquid  on  the  streets  and  houses  of 
towns  has  given  rise  in  olden  times,  among  the  superstitious  inhab- 
itants, to  stories  of  showers  of  blood  which  were  supposed  to  foretell 
disasters  or  wars. 

This  butterfly  inhabits  Europe,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been 
introduced  into  America  from  there.  It  is  not  common  in  England, 
and  the  collector  there  capturing  a line  specimen  considers  he  has 
taken  a prize. 

A much  smaller  but  bright  and  attractive  butterfly  is  Vanessa 
milberti.  It  is  a much  more  northern  species  in  its  range  than  the 
preceding,  being  rarely  found  in  the  southern  or  middle  portion  of 
the  United  States.  It  is,  however,  common  in  northern  New  Eng- 
land and  Canada,  and,  like  the  preceding,  makes  its  appearance  early 
in  the  spring  and  again  later  in  the  summer. 

The  larva,  which  is  dark  and  covered  with  short  spines,  feeds  on 
the  nettle  and  leads  a gregarious  life  in  the  earlier  part  of  its  exist- 
ence. The  butterfly  is  a wary  and  agile  little  creature,  frequently 
opening  and  closing  its  wings  in  a sudden  and  nervous  manner  while 
at  rest,  as  if  it  were  impatient  to  be  off.  The  under  side,  like  that  of 
Vanessa  antiopa , is  protective  in  coloring,  rendering  it  difficult  to  see 
until  it  opens  its  wings.  It  is  rare  at  my  home  in  Wellesley,  and  we 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Under  Side 


VANESSA  ANTIOPA 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


VANESSA  MILBERTI 


NYMPHALIDJE. 


271 


seldom  take  more  than  two  or  three  specimens  in  a season,  but  I 
have  obtained  many  fine  ones  from  Ontario,  Canada,  where  a friend 
real’s  them  from  the  egg.  An  allied  species  of  about  the  same  size 
is  found  plentifully  in  the  foothills  in  northern  California.  This  is 
Vanessa  californica , and  it  much  resembles  the  European  form 
Vanessa  polycliloros. 

To  the  genus  Grapta  belong  several  butterflies  inhabiting  Europe 
and  America,  whose  wings  are  very  angular  in  outline  and  bear  near 
the  centre  of  the  lower  pair  on  the  under  side  a silvery  mark,  sug- 
gesting in  some  instances  a letter  or  a figure.  From  these  rather 
fancied  resemblances  some  of  the  species  have  received  their  names. 
These  butterflies  are  of  medium  size  and  handsome  in  coloring-,  being- 
mostly  some  shade  of  orange  or  reddish  brown  with  black  or  brown 
markings.  The  outlines  of  their  wings,  too,  like  the  lines  of  a fast 
sailing  vessel,  suggest  speed,  for  they  are  very  active  creatures  and 
even  while  at  rest  look  alert  and  ready  to  take  wing  the  instant 
danger  threatens.  They  are  very  common  in  Canada  and  in  the 
northern  and  middle  parts  of  the  United  States. 


Grapta  interrogationis  is  one  of  the  largest  of  this  group  of 
insects  and  is  certainly  one  of  the  finest  and  an  ornament  to  any 
cabinet.  There  are  two  well-marked  forms,  which  are  so  different  in 
color  as  to  quite  puzzle  one  at  first.  The  most  common  form  is 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


272 


reddish  orange  on  both  sets  of  wings  with  deep  reddish  brown  or 
pinkish  brown  mottlings  extending  along  the  outer  portions,  which 


Grapta  interrogationis. 

are  edged  with  purple  on  their  outer  margins.  The  wings  hear 
several  black  spots.  The  under  side  is  light  reddish  brown  with  a 
few  faint  brown  lines. 


Grapta  interrogationis. 

With  the  other  form  the  upper  wings  are  much  the  same  as  in 
the  form  just  described,  except  that  they  are  usually  somewhat 
darker  along  their  edges  and  often  lack  the  purple  or  violet  margins. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Sioe 


GRAPTA  INTER  ROGATION  IS 


NYMPH  ALIDJE. 


U6 


The  lower  wings,  however,  are  quite  dark,  being-  almost  black  except 
near  their  base,  while  the  under  side  of  the  insect  is  frequently  dark 
purplish  gray  with  wide  irregular  bands  of  brown. 

The  silvery  spot  is  quite  conspicuous  in  this  form,  as  the  dark 
color  surrounding  it  brings  it  into  prominence. 

There  are  two  broods  in  a season,  one  in  June,  and  the  other, 
which  is  much  the  larger,  in  September.  The  butterfly  frequently 
hibernates  during  the  winter,  and,  like  Vanessa  antiop  a , makes  its 
appearance  early  in  the  spring. 


Grapta  iuterrogationis.  Under  side. 

The  caterpillar  is  brown  with  light  yellowish  mottlings,  and  a 
yellow  stripe  low  down  on  each  side.  The  branching  spines  with 
which  its  body  is  armed  are  yellowish  tipped  with  black.  It  feeds 
on  the  hop,  and  in  some  localities  does  considerable  damage.  The 
elm  is  also  attacked  by  it,  particularly  the  young  trees,  but  I have 
never  seen  it  in  sufficient  numbers  to  do  them  any  great  injury. 

The  chrysalis  is  light  brown  with  a slight  purplish  tinge  and  has 
several  silvery  or  golden  spots  on  the  back.  It  is  angular  and  spiny, 
with  projections  like  ears  on  the  anterior  end,  and  a sharp  ridge  at 
the  back  of  the  thorax. 

Like  many  other  butterflies,  this  species  is  very  partial  to  half- 
decayed  sweet  fruits,  and  is  often  seen  with  other  kinds  in  autumn 
in  pear  and  peach  orchards.  It  is  an  eas}'  insect  to  rear  in  confine- 
ment, but  greatly  subject  to  the  attacks  of  parasites. 

Several  other  species  of  the  genus  G-rapta  are  plentiful  in  the 


274 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


northern  and  eastern  states.  Three  of  these  look  so  much  alike  that 
it  is  difficult  for  the  beginner  to  separate  them,  the  differences  being 
most  easily  recognized  from  the  under  side  and  from  the  shape  of  the 
silvery  mark  on  the  hind  wing. 


Grapta  comma. 


In  Grapta  comma  there  are  two  well-marked  forms,  as  there  are  in 
Grapta  interrogation is.  In  one  form  the  color  of  the  upper  side  is 


Grapta  comma.  Under  side. 

much  the  same  on  both  sets  of  wings,  being  orange  with  black  spots 
margined  with  reddish  brown,  in  which  are  several  orange  spots,  and 
having  a purple  gray  edge.  The  under  side  of  this  form  is  usually 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


275 


mottled  with  gray  and  dark  brown,  the  brown  in  some  specimens 
assuming  distinct  irregular  bands,  while  in  others  the  whole  under 
surface  is  a plain  grayish  brown,  often  having  a pinkish  tinge. 


Grapta  comma. 


These  differences  are  well  shown  in  the  accompanying  figures.  The 
silvery  spot  is  usually  in  the  shape  of  a rather  sprawling  G.  In  the 
other  form  the  upper  wings  are  yellowish  tan,  while  the  lower  wings 
are  darkjjrown,  showing  very  few  spots.  The  under  side  usually  is 


Grapta  comma.  Under  side. 

much  lighter  than  in  the  first  described  form.  These  two  varieties 
are  not  equally  abundant,  the  last  described  form,  in  those  I have 
collected,  being  in  the  ratio  of  about  one  to  six  to  the  former. 


27G 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES . 


The  larva  feeds  on  the  hop,  nettle  and  elm,  and  is  light  yellowish 
in  color,  with  whitish  spines  tipped  with  black.  The  chrysalis  is 
also  light,  varying  from  almost  white  with  gray  mottlings  to  light 
grayish  brown.  It  lias  golden  markings  on  its  dorsal  side. 


Grapta  comma.  Under  side. 


The  habitat  of  the  species  is  the  northern  part  of  the  eastern  half 
of  our  country,  but  it  also  extends  into  the  southern  parts  of  Canada. 
Like  other  members  of  the  genus,  it  is  a very  active  butterfly,  and 
while  on  the  wing  its  movements  are  so  rapid  that  one  can  hardly 
follow  its  eccentric  flight  with  the  eye.  If  Lightened  away  from  a 
favorite  retreat  it  is  almost  sure  to  return  in  a few  minutes,  and  by 
stealth  it  may  be  easily  taken.  I have  seen  it  very  abundant  in 
northern  Ohio  in  August  and  September,  where  it  is  probably  double- 
brooded.  It  is  frequently  found  about  farms  and  stables,  where  the 
powerful  odors  probably  attract  it. 

A most  beautifully  mottled  insect  on  the  under  side  is  Grapta 
faunus.  The  outlines  of  the  wings  are  more  notched,  and  there  is 
more  contrast  in  the  markings  of  the  under  side  than  in  any  other 
eastern  species  of  this  genus  with  which  I am  acquainted.  The 
margins  of  the  wings  above  are  dark,  and  the  spots  are  heavy  and 
large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  wings.  The  under  side  is 
brown  and  gray  with  several  sharp  black  lines  and  a number  of 
vaguely  defined  green  spots.  The  markings  are  all  very  irregular, 
and  the  general  effect  is  like  a bit  of  torn  and  decayed  bark.  Mr. 
Comstock  states  that  “ The  larva  feeds  upon  black  birch,  willow,  cur- 
rent and  wild  gooseberry.”  I have  never  seen  it,  and  know  nothing 


NYMPH  ALIDiE. 


277 


of  its  colors  or  habits.  The  butterfly  is  much  more  northern  in  its 
range  than  the  preceding  species,  and  seems  to  prefer  mountain 


Orapta  faunus. 


districts.  I have  taken  a good  many  specimens  in  the  hilly  parts  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  it  must  he  abundant  in  parts  of  Canada,  judg- 
ing by  the  numbers  T have  had  sent  me  from  different  places. 


Grapta  faunus.  Under  side. 

Another  species  of  Grapta  occurring  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
United  States  and  Canada  is  Grapta  progne.  The  coloring  of 
the  upper  side  of  the  wings  resembles  that  of  Grapta  comma , but  the 
markings  below  are  quite  different,  being  light  brown  and  gray,  with- 
out the  irregularities  of  the  other  species,  as  there  are  many  tine  lines 
running  diagonally  across  the  wings.  The  silvery  mark  is  thin  and 


278 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


L-shaped,  which  is  perhaps  the  most  distinguishing  characteristic. 
The  larva  feeds  on  the  elm  and  gooseberry. 


Grapta  progne. 

The  species  Grapta  j-album  differs  a good  deal  from  other  species 
of  this  genus,  and  by  some  authors  is  included  in  the  genus  Vanessa. 


Grapta  progne.  Underside. 


It  is  a fair  sized  insect,  stout  bodied  and  powerful.  The  coloring  is 
rusty  yellow,  shading  to  reddish  brown,  with  numerous  heavy  black 
and  brown  bands  and  spots.  Near  the  upper  angle  of  the  upper  wing 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


279 


is  a white  spot,  and  below  the  middle  of  the  upper  margin  of  the 
lower  wing  is  another  larger  white  spot.  These  spots  are  both 


Grapta  j-album. 

divided  into  two  by  a dark  vein.  The  under  side  is  grayish  brown, 


Urapta  j-album.  Under  side. 

having  a few  lines  of  black  with  an  irregular  greenish  line  near  the 
margin.  There  is  considerable  variation  in  the  coloring  of  the  under 


280 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


side,  as  the  accompanying  illustrations  will  show,  some  being  almost 
one  plain  gray  tint,  while  others  are  marked  with  bands  of  brown, 
gray  and  white. 

This  is  a northern  species,  ranging  over  the  northern  temperate 
parts  of  the  continent.  I have  never  seen  the  larva,  but,  according 
to  Mr.  W.  J.  Holland,  it  feeds  on  the  different  species  of  willow. 
Mr.  G.  II.  French  says,  “The  chrysalis  is  one  inch  long,  of  a beau- 
tiful green  color,  delicately  reticulated,  with  six  golden  spots  on 
the  back.”  The  perfect  insect  is  sometimes  very  common,  especially 
in  the  hilly  portions  of  New  Hampshire,  where  one  may  take  it  in 


Grapta  j-albuni.  Under  side. 


July  in  numbers.  One  of  my  brothers  succeeded  in  taking  several 
hundred  perfect  specimens  of  this  species  near  Madison,  in  New 
Hampshire,  last  season.  They  were  wild  and  shy,  but  were  quite 
abundant.  They  frequented  little  used  country  roads,  where  they 
usually  rested  on  the  damp  earth,  sometimes  several  close  together. 
When  frightened  they  flew  up  and  alighted  on  the  trunks  of  poplar- 
trees,  with  their  wings  folded  close  together,  the  gray  and  brown 
color  of  t He  side  exposed  to  view  giving  them  the  appearance  of 
partially  loosened  pieces  of  bark.  When  struck  at  with  a net  while 
on  the  wing  they  sometimes  feigned  death  by  closing  their  wings 
and  falling  onto  the  road,  with  which  their  colors  readily  harmo- 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Under  Side 


GRAPTA  J-ALBUM 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


281 


nized.  They  would  even  suffer  themselves  to  be  taken  up  and 
handled  without  displaying  the  slightest  signs  of  life,  until  suddenly 
assuming  activity  they  started  off  at  a great  speed. 


Grapta  gracilis. 


A species  of  Grapta , of  which  I was  so  fortunate  as  to  obtain 
specimens  in  the  White  Mountain  region  of  New  Hampshire,  is 
Grapta  gracilis.  It  is  a small  species,  rather  dark  reddish  above 


Grapta  gracilis.  Under  side. 

with  dark  brown  or  black  margins  to  the  wings.  On  the  under 
side  the  inner  half  of  the  wings  is  dark  brown.  This  color  ends  in 
a sharp  and  irregular  outline,  close  to  the  edge  of  which  the  white 
silvery  mark  is  located  and  brought  into  strong  relief. 

Outside  of  this  dark  area  is  a light  gray  band  which  blends  by 
insensible  degrees  into  the  dark  margin  of  the  wings.  On  close 
inspection  one  will  see  many  short,  tine  brown  lines,  which  look  as 


282 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


if  made  with  the  point  of  a very  fine  pen,  distributed  over  the 
greater  part  of  the  surface  of  the  under  side  of  the  wings.  In 
habits  and  mode  of  flight  this  butterfly  resembles  others  of  the 
genus  already  described.  It  often  alights  on  the  roads  where  they 
traverse  woods,  and  is  so  active  and  wary  as  to  make  its  capture  dif- 
ficult. The  species  is  found  in  northern  New  England  and  Canada, 
and  is  generally  considered  somewhat  rare. 

The  genus  Phyciodes  contains  a large  number  of  small  and 
plainly  colored  butterflies  of  a tan  or  brownish  orange  color  with 
dark  brown  or  black  markings.  They  are  found  over  all  parts  of 
our  country  and  are  usually  among  the  commonest  of  butterflies, 
actually  swarming  in  May  and  June  and  again  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. So  much  alike  are  the  different  species  that  a collection 
containing  the  many  kinds  will  at  first  give  one  the  impression  that 
they  are  all  of  one  or  two  species  with  variations.  Varieties  dif- 
fering both  in  colors  and  markings  are  common,  and  where  the 
different  species  are  so  much  alike,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  state 
that  it  is  at  times  exceedingly  difficult  to  separate  them. 

As  the  many  kinds  of  these  butterflies  are  interesting  only  to  the 
specialist,  I shall  not  weary  the  reader  with  figures  and  descriptions 
which  must  of  necessity  be  very  dry  and  lacking  in  interest  to  a 
lover  of  the  beautiful,  the  rare  and  the  curious  in  Nature. 

Phyciodes  tliaros  is  a very  common  little  butterfly  in  June  and 
again  in  August  in  our  fields  and  meadows,  where  it  delights  in 
the  blossoms  of  the  low  plants,  several  butterflies  sometimes  being 
seen  on  one  flower.  It  is  slow  and  feeble  in  flight.  The  larva  feeds 
on  the  plantain,  and  is  dark  in  color  and  covered  with  short  bristles. 

The  genus  Melitcea  contains  a large  number  of  butterflies  of 
rather  small  size,  which  are  closely  related  to  Phyciodes.  They 
are  inhabitants  of  the  north  temperate  parts  of  the  world,  particu- 
larly in  mountain  districts,  and  the  western  part  of  our  country  is 
rich  in  species.  The  genus  is  well  represented  in  western  Nevada 
near  the  base  of  the  Sierra  Nevada,  where  in  June  several  pretty 
species  may  be  taken  in  large  numbers. 

Our  eastern  species,  Melitcea  phaeton,  is  one  of  the  finest  of  the 
genus,  and  is  a general  favorite  with  collectors.  The  color  is 
brownish  black  with  several  rows  of  buff  round  spots  and  crescents 
on  the  outer  half  of  the  wings.  Along  the  outer  margins  of  both 
sets  of  wings  is  a row  of  brick  red  spots.  The  body  is  black  with 
several  small  whitish  dots  along  the  sides  of  the  abdomen.  On  the 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PHYCIODES  THAROS 


NYMPHALIDJE. 


283 


under  side  the  ground  color  is  not  so  dark.  The  rows  of  light  spots 
are  more  numerous  and  the  reddish  spots  along  the  margins  are  so 
close  together  as  to  make  an  almost  continuous  band.  The  inner 
third  of  the  wing  is  blotched  with  a number  of  large  reddish  spots 


Melitpea  phaeton. 


with  light  yellow  spots  surrounded  with  black  rings  between  them. 
The  body  is  dark  brown  below  with  reddish  spots  on  the  abdomen, 
and  the  legs  and  palpi  are  reddish. 


Melitsea  phaeton. 


This  butterfly,  although  rarely  seen  except  by  those  who  know 
where  it  is  to  be  found  and  are  in  diligent  search  for  it,  is  not  rare 
in  New  England.  It  is  extremely  local  in  its  distribution,  being- 
found  about  meadows  or  swampy  districts,  and  usually  in  numbers 


284 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


from  a dozen  to  a hundred  in  a small  space  of  a few  square  rods.  It 
is  an  easily  captured  species  when  once  found  as  it  is  not  shy  ; its 
flight  is  feeble  and  is  not  long  sustained.  It  rarely  comes  into  the 
upland  fields  or  gardens.  There  is  but  one  brood  in  a season,  the 
butterfly  making  its  appearance  about  the  middle  of  June,  and  con- 
tinuing to  fly  for  about  a month.  The  female  lays  her  eggs  in  a 
cluster  on  the  snake  head  ( Cl  tel  one  glabra ),  and  when  the  caterpil- 
lars hatch  they  spin  a web,  drawing  the  leaves  together  at  the  top 
of  the  plant.  In  this  web  or  nest  they  live  and  feed  until  cold 
weather,  when  they  cease  feeding,  and  remain  in  it  in  a dormant 
state  throughout  the  winter.  In  the  spring  they  again  commence 
feeding,  and  when  their  growth  is  complete,  they  separate  and  seek 
a retreat  in  which  to  pupate. 

The  larva  is  covered  with  stiff  black  bristles,  and  the  chrysalis 
is  gray  with  dark  brown  spots. 

Many  grand  butterflies  belong  to  the  genus  Argynnis  and  sev- 
eral of  the  finest  of  the  group  are  natives  of  the  eastern  half  of  the 
United  States,  where  at  certain  seasons  they  are  among  the  most 
abundant  of  butterflies. 

Many  of  the  species  are  of  good  size  and  very  beautiful.  The 
usual  color  of  the  wings  is  reddish  tan  or  brownish  orange  with 
sharply  defined  dark  brown  or  black  markings  in  the  shape  of  ir- 
regular lines  and  spots,  while  beneath,  the  ground  color  is  generally 
somewhat  lighter.  On  the  upper  wings,  except  along  the  outer  mar- 
gin and  in  the  space  at  the  upper  angle,  the  markings  of  the  upper 
side  are  repeated,  but  are  less  sharply  defined.  The  lower  wings  and 
the  outer  margins  of  the  upper  pair  are  usually  adorned  with  bril- 
liant satiny  white  spots,  which  look  as  if  made  of  silver  and  highly 
polished. 

In  a few  of  the  species  the  males  and  females  differ  greatly,  but 
in  the  majority  of  kinds  they  are  much  alike. 

According  to  Mr.  Comstock,  “ More  than  fifty  species  occur  in 
America  north  of  Mexico.”  Many  kinds  resemble  each  other 
closely,  so  that  they  are  at  times  very  difficult  to  separate.  Mr. 
Holland,  writing  of  this  genus,  says,  “ Owing  to  the  fact  that  there 
is  a great  tendency  in  many  of  the  forms  closely  to  approximate  one 
another,  the  accurate  distinction  of  many  of  the  species  has  troubled 
naturalists,  and  it  is  quite  probable  that  some  of  the  so-called  species 
will  ultimately  be  discovered  to  be  merely  local  races  or  varietal 
forms.” 


Female. 


AllGYNNIS  ID  ALLY. 


NYMPHALID^E. 


287 


The  caterpillars  are  covered  with  fleshy  spines  and  bristles. 
They  feed  upon  the  different  species  of  violets,  and  are  nocturnal 
in  their  habits,  hiding  by  day.  Many  of  the  species  hibernate  over 
winter  in  the  young  larval  state  and  resume  feeding  the  next  spring. 
The  chrysalides  are  slightly  angular  with  rows  of  blunt  tubercles  on 
the  dorsal  side.  They  are  frequently  light  reddish  brown  or  pink- 
ish brown  in  color,  and  some  are  adorned  with  spots  of  yellow  and 
dark  brown. 


Argynnis  idalia.  Under  side. 


The  number  of  species  of  this  genus  to  be  found  in  the  western 
portion  of  this  country  is  very  great,  but  none  of  the  forms  from  the 
far  west  are  to  my  thinking  the  rival  in  beauty  of  our  own  richly 
colored  Argynnis  idalia.  In  the  female  the  upper  wings  are  red- 
dish orange  with  heavy  black  margins  and  spots,  and  have  a row 
of  cream  colored  spots  extending  along  the  outer  margin.  The 
lower  wings  are  black  with  a purple  tinge,  except  on  the  upper 
portion,  which  is  yellowish  brown.  Two  rows  of  large  cream  col- 
ored spots  adorn  the  wings,  while  a row  of  narrow  elongated  spots 
follow  the  fringe  on  the  outer  margin  of  both  sets  of  wings.  Be- 
neath, the  upper  wings  are  a little  lighter  and  more  reddish,  with 
the  black  markings  less  distinct,  while  along  the  upper  and  outer 
margin  are  several  silvery  white  spots  enclosed  in  rings  of  black. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


288 


The  lower  wings  are  brown  with  ninny  large  creamy  spots,  having 
a satiny  lustre,  arranged  in  irregular  rows  across  them.  These 
spots  are  also  enclosed  in  rings  of  black.  The  male  resembles  the 
female  except  that  it  is  smaller  and  generally  lighter,  and  the  outer 
row  of  spots  is  reddish  orange  instead  of  cream  color. 

This,  our  largest  and  handsomest  Argynnis  in  New  England,  is 
found  during  the  latter  part  of  July  and  the  first  of  August  in  low 
meadowy  districts,  where  its  favorite  flower,  the  wild  flax,  as  it  is 
sometimes  called,  or  the  swamp  milkweed,  lives.  In  exceptional 
seasons  this  insect  is  plentiful,  and  one  may  see  one  or  more  of 
these  large  and  richly  colored  flies  about  every  clump  of  its  favorite 
blossom.  It  sometimes  visits  the  upland  fields  of  clover  and  occa- 
sionally the  flowers  of  the  garden.  It  is  a wild  insect  and  a strong 
flyer,  and  when  once  alarmed  it  will  tax  the  wind  and  endurance  of 
a good  runner  to  overtake  it. 

The  insect  is  found  throughout  New  England  and  the  middle 
and  western  states,  as  far  west  as  Dakota.  The  finest  specimens  I 
have  ever  seen  came  from  Illinois,  and  their  richness  of  coloring  and 
size  made  them  well  worth  the  trouble  of  capturing. 

In  the  mountainous  districts  of  Virginia,  Carolina,  Tennessee  and 
Arkansas  is  found  the  most  magnificent  species  belonging  to  the 
genus  Argynnis  which  inhabits  this  country.  This  beautiful  butterfly 
is  Argynnis  diana.  In  size  there  are  few  species  of  the  group  in  the 
world  which  equal  it,  and  but  one  or  two  with  which  I am  acquainted 
which  rival  it  in  beauty. 

In  the  male  insect  the  inner  portion  of  each  wing  is  a rich  dark 
brown  bordered  by  a wide  band  of  tawny  orange,  across  which  run 
several  narrow  lines  of  brown,  between  which  are  round  brown  spots. 
'Fhe  under  side,  especially  on  the  lower  wings,  is  a good  deal  lighter 
where  the  large  area  of  dark  brown  gives  place  to  light  brown,  while 
on  the  upper  wings  the  same  area  is  black  with  several  tawny  orange 
markings.  Two  lines  of  elongated  silvery  spots  cross  the  lower  wings, 
the  line  near  the  outer  margin  being  the  more  distinct.  The  female 
is  often  a good  deal  larger  than  the  male  and  in  coloring  is  totally 
different,  the  ground  color  of  the  wings  being  a rich  greenish  or 
bluish  black.  The  outer  portion  of  the  fore  wings  is  crossed  by 
three  rows  of  bluish  white  spots,  while  the  same  portion  of  the 
lower  wings  has  one  row  of  large  blue  spots,  each  enclosing  a round 
black  spot,  and  one  row  of  elongated  bluish  white  spots  near  the 
outer  margin.  The  under  side  of  the  female  is  brown  with  the 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


ARGYNNIS  IDALIA 


Male.  Under  side. 


ARGYNNIS  DIANA. 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


291 


lower  wings  somewhat  lighter,  which  are  marked  with  blue  and 
black  spots.  A few  silvery  crescents  are  to  be  seen  on  the  lower 
wings  along  the  outer  margins.  The  female  is  much  the  more 
striking  insect  of  the  two,  and  its  size  and  rich  dark  color  make  it 
a conspicuous  object  while  on  the  wing. 

This  insect,  particularly  the  female,  has  been  until  quite  recently, 
a rare  insect  in  collections,  and  has  brought  high  prices.  Even  at 
present,  when  its  habitat  is  well  known  and  many  of  these  fine  but- 


Argymiis  diana.  Female. 


terflies  are  taken  every  season,  it  is  still  an  uncommon  insect  to  see 
in  any  but  large  collections.  It  is  an  active  and  wary  butterfly  and 
as  it  is  usually  found  in  very  hilly  regions,  the  successful  collector 
is  likely  to  have  many  a spirited  chase  for  it. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  regions  where  it  is  found  in  Kentucky, 
have  by  this  time  become  familiar  with  the  sight  of  an  able-bodied 
man  going  about  with  a butterfly  net,  but  a few  years  ago  a man 
could  scarcely  invent  a way  in  which  to  make  people  regard  him 
with  more  suspicion. 


292 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


This  insect  makes  its  appearance  in  July,  and  is  sometimes  seen 
in  some  abundance.  The  females  are  much  less  common  than  the 
males.  A collector  friend  of  mine  who  had  never  seen  this  insect 
alive,  was  out  with  a net  one  day  in  Western  Virginia,  and  came 
suddenly  upon  three  of  these  fine  insects,  two  males  and  one  female, 
in  the  road.  They  immediately  rose  in  the  air  and  circled  about  him, 
while  my  friend  was  so  much  surprised  and  so  fearful,  that  they 
would  leave  if  he  made  the  least  motion,  that  he  stood  like  a statue 
not  daring  to  make  a strike  lest  he  should  miss,  until  they  were  well 
out  of  his  reach. 


Argynnis  eybele  is  also  a large  and  very  handsome  butterfly. 
The  sexes  generally  differ  a good  deal  in  size,  the  male  being  the 
smaller,  while  its  markings  are  less  heavy,  and  the  ground  color 
is  lighter  and  more  reddish.  On  the  under  side,  too,  the  female 
is  darker  than  the  male,  the  silvery  spots  showing  to  better 
advantage. 

During  July  tins  insect  is  one  of  our  most  abundant  species, 
frequenting  flowering  plants  growing  in  meadowy  land,  particu- 
larly the  swamp  milkweeds,  on  the  pink  clusters  of  which  one 
will  often  see  two  or  three  of  these  fine  butterflies. 

It  is  a swift  flying  insect  but  does  not  seem  to  be  shy  when 
feeding. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


ARGYNNI S CYBELE 


NYMPHALID2E. 


293 


This  insect  is  one  which  is  nearly  always  plentiful  during  its 
season,  and  does  not  seem  to  have  its  seasons  of  scarcity  like  so 
many  species.  The  western  species  seem  to  be  finer  and  larger 
than  those  found  in  the  east,  and  the  flowers  along  railroads 
or  on  the  banks  of  rivers  may  almost  be  said  to  swarm  with  it  at 
times.  The  larva  is  dark  colored  and  spiny,  and  like  others  of  the 
genus  lives  on  violets,  feeding  by  night  and  hiding  close  to  the 


Argynnis  cybele.  Female. 


roots  of  the  plant  during  the  daytime.  The  half-grown  larva 
passes  the  winter  in  a dormant  state  and  completes  its  growth  the 
next  spring. 

This  butterfly  lias  a rather  wide  range,  being  found  in  the 
eastern,  middle  and  western  states  as  far  west  as  the  great  plains 
and  north  into  Canada. 

Closely  related  to  Argynnis  cybele  is  Argynnis  aphrodite , and  at 
the  first  glance  the  two  species  would  be  thought  the  same.  The 
latter,  however,  is  smaller  and  usually  somewhat  darker  and 
richer  in  coloring.  This  darker  coloring  is  best  seen  from  the 

o o 

under  side. 

The  yellow  band  following  the  outer  margin  of  the  lower 


294 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


wings  beneath  is  narrower  in  this  species  than  in  cybele , a charac- 
teristic by  which  the  two  species  can  he  readily  distinguished. 
The  females  are  occasionally  very  dark  beneath,  the  lower  wing 
being  chocolate  brown  and  the  silvery  spots  looking  like  discs  of 
the  pure  metal  highly  polished. 

In  July  and  August  this  butterfly  is  at  times  plentiful,  but  I 
have  never  seen  it  so  abundant  as  A.  cybele.  It  seems  to  be  more 
northern  in  its  range,  and  one  of  my  friends  living  in  Ontario, 
Canada,  has  sent  me  many  fine  specimens.  In  habits  it  much  re- 
sembles the  preceding  species. 

Argynnis  alcestis  is  about  the  size  of  A.  aphrodite  and  much  re- 
sembles it.  The  coloring  is  dark  and  rich,  and  the  yellow  band 
along  the  margin  of  the  lower  wings  is  wanting.  Specimens  are 
occasionally  taken  which  are  very  red  beneath  on  the  basal  part 
of  the  upper  wings.  I have  never  seen  the  insect  abundant,  but 
have  taken  it  near  Chicago,  Illinois,  in  July,  where  I was  given 
to  understand  by  a local  collector,  it  was  at  times  very  common. 
The  specimens  taken  there  were  very  fine  and  well  repaid  the 
stop  of  a few  hours  for  their  capture.  This  is  a western  species 
occupying  the  upper  part  of  the  Mississippi  valley. 

A butterfly  smaller  in  size,  but  scarcely  less  brilliant  in  color- 
ing beneath  than  A.  aphrodite  and  resembling  it  a good  deal,  is 
Argynnis  atlantis.  Although  there  is  often  a good  deal  of  differ- 
ence between  the  males  and  females  of  this  species  in  the  inten- 
sity of  their  coloring,  the  female  being  the  darker,  in  size  they 
are  about  the  same,  and  one  rarely  sees  the  discrepancy  in  size  so 
noticeable  in  A.  cybele. 

This  butterfly  is  abundant  in  the  hilly  parts  of  New  Hamp- 
shire early  in  July,  where  it  may  be  seen  on  the  flowers  and 
bushes  by  the  roadside  or  winging  its  way  across  the  upland 
meadows.  It  is  quite  common  about  Sunapee  Lake,  where  many 
of  the  specimens  for  the  illustration  of  this  work  were  obtained. 

Like  the  other  members  of  this  group,  the  larva  feeds  on  vio- 
lets, and  hibernates  when  half-grown  through  the  winter.  There 
is  but  one  brood  in  a season.  It  is  a rather  northern  species  and 
only  inhabits  the  middle  and  southern  states  along  the  ranges  of 
mountains.  It  is  common  in  Canada. 

A very  common  little  butterfly  during  May  and  again  in 
August,  in  the  meadows  and  swampy  lands,  is  Argynnis  myrina. 
It  resembles  the  larger  species  of  the  genus  in  the  tawny  orange 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


ARGYNNIS  APHRODITE 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Under  Side 


ARGYNNIS  ATLANTIS 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper 


Si  of 


Under  Side 


ARGYNNIS  MYR1NA 


' 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


ARGYNN1S  BELLONA 


NYMPH  ALlDiE. 


295 


color  of  tlie  wings  and  the  silvery  spots  on  the  under  side,  but 
is  a weak  little  creature,  its  flight  being  slow  and  feeble.  It  is 
usually  very  common  in  its  season  and  may  be  seen  clustered 
on  the  flowers  to  which  it  is  partial,  or  flying  lazily  just  over 
the  grass  tops  of  the  damp  meadow.  On  a small  patch  of  mead- 
owy land  they  fly  back  and  forth,  not  often  venturing  far  from  it 
onto  the  high  land. 

The  species  is  double-brooded,  and  inhabits  the  northern  part 
of  our  country  and  Canada.  It  is  a pretty  little  insect,  as  will  be 
seen  by  reference  to  the  transfer.  The  specimens  for  this  work 
were  taken  in  and  about  W ellesley,  Mass.,  where  it  is  usually 
very  abundant. 

Another  species  much  resembling  A.  myrina  in  size  and  gen- 
eral markings,  but  differing  from  it  in  not  having  the  silvery 
spots  beneath,  is  Argynnis  bellona.  This  little  butterfly  is  also 
very  abundant  and  an  inhabitant  of  the  same  character  of  coun- 
try as  the  preceding  species,  where  it  may  be  taken  at  the  same 
time  of  year. 

Curiously  enough,  however,  the  two  species  do  not  mingle  to 
any  great  extent  and  they  will  seldom  be  found  equally  numer- 
ous in  the  same  meadow.  This  is  often  quite  noticeable  when 
two  small  patches  of  low  wet  land  are  divided  by  a ridge  of 
high  ground ; one  species  may  occupy  one  patch  and  the  other  the 
next,  each  keeping  pretty  well  to  itself.  This  is  also  a slow  and 
weak  flying  insect,  keeping  close  to  the  grass  tops  while  on  the 
wins'  and  seldom  venturing  far  from  the  low  meadows.  It  is 
double-brooded  like  the  preceding,  and  is  found  over  the  north- 
ern half  of  the  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  mountains.  It 
also  occurs  in  Canada. 

Argynnis  rnontinus  is  a rare  little  insect  found  on  the  barren 
tops  of  the  White  Mountains  in  New  Hampshire. 

It  much  resembles  A.  myrina , except  that  it  is  darker  and  more 
reddish.  The  under  side  of  the  under  wings  is  not  adorned  with 
the  brilliant  silvei'y  markings  of  A.  myrina , but  with  irregular  white 
markings  on  a reddish  brown  ground. 

I have  never  been  so  fortunate  as  to  see  this  butterfly  alive,  and 
although  I visited  Mount  Washington  and  the  other  peaks  near  in 
the  hopes  of  finding  it,  I was  unsuccessful. 

This  butterfly  is  supposed  to  have  been  stranded  on  the  high 
peaks  of  the  White  Mountains  at  the  end  of  the  glacial  period  in 


296 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


much  the  same  manner  that  the  presence  there  of  Chionobas  semidea 
is  accounted  for. 

Of  the  genus  Euptoieta  we  have  but  one  species  in  the  United 
States.  It  is  a southern  insect  and  rarely  gets  as  far  north  as  New 
England.  The  insects  of  this  group  are  rather  plain  yellowish 
brown  butterflies,  with  brown  and  black  markings,  having  no  silvery 
spots  on  the  under  side,  and  in  this  respect  showing  a strong  contrast 
to  most  of  the  species  of  Argynnis , their  near  relatives.  Their  larvae 
are  adorned  with  rows  of  short  black  branching  spines,  the  ones  near 
the  head  being  the  longest  and  are  directed  forward.  They  feed  on 
the  leaves  of  the  passion  vine. 

Euptoieta  claudia  is  a medium  sized  butterfly,  very  plentiful  in  the 
south  and  southwest,  where  it  flies  in  open  fields  and  along  the  edges 
of  forests.  It  is  very  abundant  in  Arkansas,  where  along  the  White 
River  I have  captured  many  specimens  in  the  latter  part  of  July. 
The  larva  of  this  species  is  brownish  orange  striped  with  brown  and 
spotted  with  white  on  the  back.  The  chrysalis  is  light  gray  spotted 
and  streaked  with  black.  The  insect  is  an  inhabitant  of  both  North 
and  South  America,  and  is  often  seen  in  collections  from  Brazil. 

To  the  genus  Agraulis  belong  some  exceedingly  beautiful  butter- 
flies of  medium  size.  They  are  insects  loving  warm  climates,  and 
are  very  abundant  in  the  tropical  and  subtropical  parts  of  America. 
Their  coloring  above  is  tawny  orange  or  reddish  orange  marked  with 
black,  while  below  it  is  lighter,  in  some  species  having  a decided 
pink  tinge  near  the  base  of  the  upper  wings,  while  many  brilliant 
silvery  spots  adorn  both  sets  of  wings.  The  larvae.  are  armed  with 
branching  spines,  and  they  feed  on  the  various  species  of  the  passion 
vine. 

But  one  species  occurs  within  the  borders  of  this  country.  This 
is  Agraulis  vanilla ?,  and  one  may  search  a good  while  before  finding 
a handsomer  insect.  It  is  not  difficult  to  capture,  flying  leisurely 
from  flower  to  flower  in  search  of  honey.  It  is  very  abundant  at 
times  in  the  southern  states,  coming  as  far  north  as  Virginia  and  the 
southern  part  of  Illinois.  It  is  also  found  on  the  Pacific  coast  in 
southern  California.  The  larva  is  light  yellowish  brown  striped 
with  dark  brown  and  covered  with  black  branching  spines.  It  feeds 
on  the  passion  vine. 

The  genus  Colcenis  has  very  long  and  narrow  upper  wings,  re- 
sembling in  this  respect  the  genus  Heliconia.  The  insects  are  mostly 
brownish  orange,  but  one  very  beautiful  species,  Colcenis  dido , is 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Sioe 


Under  Side 


EUPTOIETA  CLAUDIA 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


AGRAULIS  VANILLAE 


Upper  side. 


Under  side. 


COL/ENIS  JULIA. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


COLAENIS  JULIA 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


299 


green  and  dark  brown.  They  are  inhabitants  of  tropical  America 
and  the  West  Indies,  and  but  two  species  range  as  far  north  as 
southern  Texas.  The  more  strikingly  marked  of  these  is  Colcenis 
julia , of  which  figures  are  here  given.  It  is  brownish  orange,  and 
sometimes,  when  fresh  and  perfect,  almost  red.  The  wings  are  mar- 
gined with  black,  and  a bar  of  black  extends  diagonally  across  the 
outer  and  upper  portion  of  the  upper  wing.  Beneath  it  is  tan  or 
rust  color  with  a few  darker  shades.  One  or  two  faint  red  spots  are 
located  near  the  base  of  both  wings. 


Colfenis  delila. 

Our  other  native  species,  Colcenis  delila , closely  resembles  the 
preceding  species,  but  is  without  the  black  markings  across  the 
wings,  and  is  paler  in  coloring.  These  two  insects  are  very  abundant 
in  Mexico,  and  one  rarely  receives  a box  of  butterflies  from  that 
country  which  does  not  contain  several  specimens. 

The  genus  Danais  comprises  a large  number  of  good-sized  butter- 
flies inhabiting  almost  all  portions  of  the  world.  Many  of  the 
grandest  species  are  natives  of  southern  Asia  and  the  Malay  Archi- 
pelago. The  ground  color  of  these  insects  is  often  brownish  orange 
or  reddish  brown,  while  in  some  of  the  handsomer  species  it  is  green 
or  blue.  This  color  is  usually  diversified  with  bars  and  lines  of 
black,  these  frequently  following  the  veins  and  margins  of  the  wings. 
These  butterflies  are  supposed  by  naturalists  to  be  protected  from 
their  enemies  by  a rank  odor  and  a bitter  taste,  so  that  they  have 
been  in  a large  measure  exempt  from  the  attacks  of  birds  and  other 


300 


MOTHS  AN1)  BUTTERFLIES. 


insect-eating  animals.  On  this  account  they  fly  boldly  forth,  making 
little  or  no  effort  at  concealment. 

These  protected  insects  have  been  the  subjects  of  unconscious 
imitation  or  mimicry  by  butterflies  belonging  to  other  groups  less 
favored  by  nature,  and  many  of  the  species  are  so  exactly  copied 
both  in  coloring  and  also  in  habits  as  not  only  to  deceive  the  birds 
but  also  the  collectors. 

One  of  our  largest  and  best  known  butterflies  belonging  to  this 
genus  is  Danaix  arcluppus.  The  larva  feeds  on  the  milkweed,  and  is 


Larva  of  Daiiais  arcliippus. 


a prettily  marked  creature,  being  banded  transversely  with  black, 
yellow  and  green,  and  having  two  long  black  fleshy  horns  or  filaments 
at  either  end  of  the  body.  It  is  easily  reared  in  confinement,  and  the 
chrysalis,  which  is  translucent  pea  green  relieved  with  a line  of  black 
dots  across  the  back  and  rows  of  circular  spots  of  burnished  gold 


Chrysalis  of  Daiiais  arcliippus. 


about  the  thorax  and  along  the  sides,  is  an  object  rarely  equalled  for 
beauty  in  art  or  nature.  The  butterfly  makes  its  appearance  about 
two  weeks  after  the  chrysalis  is  formed,  the  color  of  the  wings  being 
plainly  visible  through  the  thin  chrysalis  shell  for  a day  or  two  before 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Unoer  Side 


DANAIS  ARCHIPPUS 


NYMPHALIDiE. 


301 


it  emerges.  When  seen  in  the  sunshine  in  the  height  of  perfection, 
the  wings  show  pleasing  iridescent  tints  varying  from  green  to  blue 
and  purple,  or  even  red.  This  insect  is  rarely  seen  in  the  northern 
part  of  our  country  before  July,  as  it  is  supposed  that  neither  the 
perfect  insect  nor  the  egg  or  chrysalis  is  able  to  withstand  the  rigors 
of  our  winter,  and  that  the  first  specimens  to  be  seen  in  our  region 
are  migrants  from  the  south.  This  is  not  strictly  true,  for  on  several 
occasions  both  my  brothers  and  I have  taken  this  butterfly  early  in 
May  in  New  England,  proving  that  occasionally  the  insect  succeeds 
in  weathering  our  severe  winter  either  in  the  chrysalis  or  mature 
state. 

At  times  during  September  or  October  immense  numbers  of  these 
butterflies  are  seen  in  scattered  flocks  apparently  migrating  either  in 
search  of  food  or  toward  a warmer  region.  I have  never  been  so 
fortunate  as  to  witness  one  of  these  flights,  but  from  a gentleman 
residing  in  northern  Illinois,  who  saw  such  a migration  in  1894,  I 
obtained  the  following  facts : The  butterflies  were  very  abundant 
near  Chicago  in  that  year,  and  toward  the  last  of  September  they 
formed  immense  flocks  and  might  be  seen  every  afternoon  streaming 
in  a southeasterly  direction.  One  evening  thousands  collected  on  a 
dead  tree  near  this  gentleman’s  house,  completely  covering  its  twigs 
and  branches. 

A good  many  other  kinds  of  butterflies  have  been  known  to 
assemble  in  flocks  of  countless  thousands,  and  have  even  been 
observed  many  miles  at  sea  flying  high  in  air. 

The  geographical  range  of  this  Danais  is  very  great,  being  now 
distributed  over  a large  portion  of  the  earth’s  surface,  although  it 
was  originally  a strictly  American  species.  It  is  now  common  in  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  Samoa  and  most  of  the  islands  of  the  Malay 
Archipelago,  while  it  is  plentifully  distributed  over  Australia.  These 
distant  lands  have  been  colonized  by  it  only  within  very  recent 
years.  This  butterfly  with  many  others  has  been  placed  in  a new 
genus  and  given  a new  specific  name  within  recent  years,  and  now 
by  many  collectors  goes  by  the  title  of  Anoxia  plexippus ; and  right 
here  I wish  to  write  a few  words  in  regard  to  the  scientific  names  of 
insects  and  the  changes  which  are  being  made  by  almost  every  new 
writer  on  the  subject  of  entomology.  This  constant  change  of  name 
and  the  almost  endless  separating  of  the  species  into  new  genera  is 
one  of  the  most  senseless  as  well  as  the  most  needless  obstacles 
put  in  the  way  of  those  who  desire  to  acquire  a knowledge  of  ento- 


302 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


mology.  A child  begins  by  bearing  the  names  of  a few  of  the 
common  insect  forms  about  him,  and  no  sooner  does  lie  begin  to  get 
a little  familiar  with  them  than  some  new  book  comes  out  on  the 
subject  and  he  runs  up  against  an  entirely  new  nomenclature,  either 
of  genera  or  species,  or  both,  which  is  well  calculated  to  discourage 
the  most  ardent  enthusiast.  Better  almost  any  name  that  shall  per- 
manently stand  for  the  species  than  this  constant  change.  If  authors 
were  agreed  among  themselves  one  might  conclude  that  there  was 
some  system  to  their  madness,  but  when  one  author  calls  an  insect 
Limenitis  disippus,  another  Limenitis  misippus , another  Basilarchia 
disippus , and  still  another  Basilarchia  archippus , it  is  enough  to 
bewilder  and  disgust  the  hungry  aspirant  for  knowledge  on  the 
subject.  Even  the  common  names  have  stuck  better  in  many  in- 
stances than  those  given  by  the  scientists,  and  one  has  often  to  resort 
to  them  to  avoid  confusion.  Let  us  hope  that  order  will  eventually 
come  out  of  all  this  chaos,  and  that  those  who  tinker  with  the  names 
and  classifications  may  call  a halt  before  they  make  a separate  genus 
for  every  species,  and  the  scientific  names  to  each  are  more  numer- 
ous than  the  legs  of  its  caterpillars.  In  studying  exotic  insects, 
especially  those  from  little-known  lands,  one  is  spared  these  changes 
of  names  to  a great  extent,  for  it  is  frequently  our  most  common 
insects  which  have  three  or  four  scientific  names.  Let  us  aim  to  get 
these  names  anchored,  and  when  once  a name  is  well  established  to 
hold  to  it  instead  of  following  the  caprice  of  each  new  writer  who 
may  have  little  more  to  attract  attention  than  a renaming  and  re- 
classification of  our  familiar  forms.  To  be  able  to  glibly  articulate 
long  scientific  names  and  to  be  familiar  with  the  most  recent  classi- 
fications does  not  constitute  a knowledge  of  natural  history.  A 
thorough  understanding  of  the  habits  of  an  animal  learned  through 
search  and  observation  is  of  much  more  value  than  a knowledge  of 
its  most  recent  name,  which  may  be  a very  temporary  affair. 

One  other  native  insect  of  this  genus  is  JDanais  berenice.  It  is 
a rather  plainly-colored  insect,  being  yellowish  brown,  sometimes 
reddish  brown,  the  wings  being  margined  with  wide  bands  of  black 
in  which  are  enclosed  numerous  small  white  spots.  Several  larger 
white  spots  adorn  the  outer  portion  of  the  upper  wings.  The  under 
side  is  colored  much  like  the  upper,  except  that  on  the  lower 
wings  wide  lines  of  black  follow  the  veins.  This  insect  is  very 
abundant  in  Mexico,  and  extends  its  habitat  up  into  Texas  and 
Arizona. 


Upper  side. 


Under  side. 


DANAIS  BERENICE. 


NYMPH  ALIDiE. 


305 


An  insect  varying  slightly  in  the  coloring  of  the  lower  wings 
and  having  the  veins  margined  with  grayish  white  has  been  given 
the  name  of  Danais  stigosa.  As  these  two  forms  blend  into  one 


Danais  stigosa. 


another  by  insensible  gradations,  so  that  among  a dozen  specimens 
all  collected  in  the  same  locality  it  may  be  impossible  to  state  to 
which  some  of  them  belong,  one  would  naturally  conclude  that  they 
were  the  same  species  with  slight  color  variations. 

Heliconia  comprises  man}’  very  beautiful  insects  of  medium  size, 
having  very  long-  and  narrow  upper  wings,  comparatively  small 
lower  wings,  long  bodies,  and  long,  knobbed  antennae.  They  give 
off  a powerful  odor  when  handled,  and  on  account  of  their  bitter 
taste  are  avoided  by  birds  and  other  insect-eating  animals.  Their 
home  is  tropical  America,  where  they  abound  in  great  numbers 
both  in  species  and  individuals,  their  bright  colors  of  red,  yellow, 
blue  and  green  in  sharply  outlined  patches  and  bars  on  a usually 
black  ground  enlivening  the  dark  forests,  and  partly  compensating 
for  the  lack  of  brilliant  flowers  in  those  regions.  Their  caterpillars 
are  spiny,  and  their  chrysalides  are  angular,  and,  according  to  various 
observers,  emit  a squeaking  noise  as  they  bend  from  side  to  side 
when  disturbed. 


30fi 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


Aii  interesting  habit  of  butterflies  belonging  to  this  genus  was 
witnessed  by  one  of  my  brothers,  William  Denton,  in  Colombia, 
South  America.  One  dajy  while  lie  was  out  collecting,  he  noticed 
several  male  specimens  of  a very  handsome  species  fluttering  about 
a bush  by  the  roadside.  These  he  took  with  his  net,  and  was  about 
to  move  on,  when  other  specimens  were  seen  approaching.  In  a 
short  time  he  had  several  more,  but  still  they  kept  coming  to  the 
same  bush.  This  excited  his  curiosity,  and  upon  carefully  exam- 
ining the  bush  lie  discovered  a number  of  chrysalides  of  the  female 
of  this  species  upon  it,  the  butterflies  within  being  plainly  visible 
and  almost  ready  to  burst  their  shells.  The  males  were  already 
assembling  to  welcome  the  females  on  their  emerging  from  their 
chrysalides. 

Heliconia  charitonia  is  our  only  native  species  of  this  genus,  but 
it  is  a handsome  insect,  as  one  may  see  by  reference  to  the  plate. 
This  butterfly  is  abundantly  found  in  Mexico  and  Central  America, 
and  occasionally  it  may  be  seen  in  numbers  in  southern  Florida, 
where  it  flies  lazily  in  the  hot  sunshine.  Like  the  different  species 
of  Af/raulis , the  larva  of  this  insect  feeds  on  the  passion  vine. 

Two  beautiful  insects  belonging  to  the  genus  Eumenes  inhabit 
the  extreme  southern  portion  of  our  country. 


Eumeuia  atala. 


Eumenia  atala  is  a common  insect  in  southern  Florida  early  in 
February,  'where  it  may  sometimes  be  seen  by  dozens  clustered  on 
the  flowering  plants,  it  is  usually  very  abundant  near  Miami  in 
that  state.  The  wings  of  this  insect  are  black  with  streaks  of 
metallic  green  or  blue  below  the  upper  margin  of  the  upper  pair, 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


HELICONIA  CHARITONIA 


NYMPH  ALIDiE. 


307 


while  a row  of  spots  of  the  same  color  follows  the  outer  margin  of 
the  lower  wings.  Beneath,  the  color  is  black,  the  upper  wings 
plain,  while  the  lower  ones  are  adorned  with  many  brilliant  metallic 


Eumeuia  atala.  Under  side. 

green  spots,  and  one  large  red  spot  located  midway  on  the  inner 
margin.  The  head  and  thorax  is  black  with  metallic  green  streaks, 
and  the  abdomen  is  brilliant  orange. 

The  other  species , Eumenia  minyas,  occurs  in  southern  Texas,  and 
is  much  like  the  preceding  species  except  that  it  is  larger.  I have 
never  received  a specimen  from  this  country,  those  I have  having 
been  captured  in  Mexico. 

A very  small  reddish  brown  butterfly,  adorned  with  metallic 
blue  spots  arranged  in  irregular  transverse  rows  on  the  wings,  is 
Calephelis  ccenius.  It  is  a native  of  Florida  and  the  gulf  states,  and 
occasionally  straj'S  as  far  north  as  Virginia.  I have  never  seen  the 
insect  alive,  and  know  nothing  of  its  life-history  or  habits. 


MOTHS  ANI)  BUTTERFLIES. 


308 


PAPITAONIDjE. 

I ( r In  ft/  niffs,  3 ell ’oil's,  Swallowtails. 

We  now  arrive  at  a large  group  of  butterflies  having  six  well- 
developed  legs,  and  where  the  chrysalis  is  attached  to  its  support, 
not  only  at  the  extremity  of  the  abdomen  hut  by  a thin  line  or 
thread  of  silk  passing  round  the  middle  of  the  body,  which,  except 
in  the  genus  Ornithoptera , usually  holds  it  in  a horizontal  position 
instead  of  its  being  suspended  in  a perpendicular  position,  head 
downward,  as  in  the  Nymplialidcm.  The  larva  is  long,  usually 
tapering  toward  the  anal  extremity,  frequently  ornamented  with 
brilliant  colors,  and  in  the  genera  of  Ornithoptera  and  Papilio 
is  provided  with  a protective  scent  organ  placed  at  the  back  of 
the  head  which  can  be  protruded  at  the  pleasure  of  the  animal. 
This  organ  is  forked  and  is  usually  extended  when  the  insect  is 
irritated. 

To  this  group  of  butterflies  belong  many  of  the  largest  and  most 
grandly  colored  Lepidopterous  insects  of  the  world.  It  comprises 
the  magnificent  butterflies  belonging  to  the  genus  Ornithoptera , 
specimens  of  which  frequently  expand  seven  or  eight  inches  between 
the  tips  of  their  velvety  wings,  and  the  regal  Papilios  or  swallow- 
tailed butterflies,  wherein  the  lower  wings  are  usually  prolonged 
into  tails  at  their  lower  extremity,  and  which  in  the  coloring  of 
many  of  the  species  are  incomparably  beautiful.  It  also  includes 
a host  of  species  belonging  to  the  family  Pierinoe , so  familiar  to 
every  one,  and  having  white  or  yellow  for  the  principal  color  of 
their  wings. 

To  the  genus  Colias  belongs  a large  number  of  species  of  medium- 
sized butterflies  widely  distributed  over  the  northern  hemisphere. 
They  are  among  our  most  common  butterflies  in  the  United  States, 
and  are  familiar  objects  to  every  one  who  has  an  opportunity  to 
see  the  fields  and  meadows  in  summer.  Their  colors  are  various 
shades  of  yellow  or  orange  with  heavy  black  borders  to  the  wings  in 
the  males,  while  in  the  females  their  coloring  is  less  sharply  defined 
and  not  so  heavy.  The  caterpillars  are  cylindrical,  long,  and  taper 
slightly  toward  their  posterior  extremity,  and  are  green  in  color, 
feeding  largely  on  clover.  Their  chrysalides  are  pointed  at  the 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


COL-IAS  PHILODICE 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


309 


head,  have  a convex  breast  and  a hump  on  the  thorax.  Many  of 
them  are  green  in  color. 


Colias  pliilodice.  Male. 


Our  best  known  species  of  this  genus  is  Colias  philodice , an 
insect  which  ranges  over  the  whole  of  our  country  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  It  is  common  in  summer  in  almost  every  field,  and 
may  be  seen  by  dozens  quietly  resting  with  wings  erect,  sucking 


Colias  philodice.  Female. 


the  moisture  from  the  muddy  pools  in  the  roads.  A good  many 
varieties  occur,  and  one  may  find  many  albinos  and  also  dark  rich 
specimens  if  the  trouble  be  taken  to  search  for  them.  The  caterpillar 
feeds  on  the  clover.  It  is  grass  green  and  striped  with  light  green. 


810 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


Several  broods  of  this  insect  make  their  appearance  each  season,  so 
that  it  is  rarely  absent  from  our  fields  in  summer. 


Colias  pliilodice.  Female,  albino. 


Colias  enrytlieme  has  much  the  same  habits  as  the  preceding,  except 
perhaps  that  it  is  more  agile  on  the  wing.  It  is  found  in  the  middle 


Colias  eurytheme.  Male. 


and  western  states  in  abundance,  and  even  extends  across  to  the 
Pacific  coast.  It  also  occurs  in  New  England,  though  I have  never 
known  it  to  be  common  there.  Its  bright  orange  colors  make  it  a 
conspicuous  object  while  on  the  wing.  The  species  is  very  subject 
to  variation  in  color  and  size  ; some  specimens  are  intense  orange, 
while  others  are  yellow,  scarcely  showing  a tinge  of  the  orange. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Sioe 


Under  Side 


COLIAS  EURYTHEME 


PAPELION  IDrE. 


311 


Albinos,  looking  much  like  the  albinos  of  the  preceding  species, 
are  not  rare,  and  very  dark  insects  are  occasionally  taken.  In  all  its 
varieties  it  is  an  attractive  insect,  and  the  dark  rich  colored  females 
are  very  beautiful.  There  are  two  or  more  broods  in  a season,  the 


(Jolias  eurytlieme.  Female. 


first  making  its  appearance  in  May  and  others  coming  through  the 
latter  part  of  the  summer  and  fall.  It  is  most  numerous  in  August 
in  open  fields  and  meadows,  and  neglected  pastures  where  thistles 
and  burdocks  abound  are  its  special  delight. 


Meganostoma  ciesonia. 

The  genus  Meganostoma , which  closely  resembles  (Julias  except 
that  the  apex  of  the  wing  is  more  pointed,  is  represented  throughout 
the  region  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  by  Meganostoma  ccesonia. 


312 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


The  colors  are  black  and  yellow,  the  wings  being  frequently  edged 
with  a narrow  line  of  pink.  The  rather  vague  and  fanciful  resem- 
blance of  the  yellow  patch  on  the  upper  wing  to  an  animal’s  head  has 
given  the  insect  the  common  name  of  the  dog’s-head  butterfly.  The 
insect  is  yellow  beneath,  with  spots  as  shown  in  the  illustration. 


Meganostoma  ouL\sonia.  Under  side. 


The  sexes  differ  little  in  coloring.  This  species  is  much  more 
abundant  in  the  south  and  southwest  than  in  the  east  and  north.  I 
have  never  taken  it  in  New  England,  but  found  a good  many 
specimens  near  Iowa  City,  Iowa,  in  August.  It  is  a good  flyer,  and 
one  is  obliged  to  move  rapidly  and  use  the  net  skilfully  to  capture 
many  specimens. 

A very  beautiful  species  of  this  genus,  Meganostoma  eurydice , 
a native  of  California  and  the  Pacific  coast,  displays  in  the  male 
insect  bright  pink  and  purple  iridescence  almost  dazzling  to  the 
eye. 

The  genus  Gonepteryx  contains  some  large  and  very  showy 
butterflies.  The  shape  of  the  wings  is  peculiar,  in  that  they  are 
angular  and  look  as  if  trimmed  with  the  scissors,  the  upper  wings 
having  the  upper  margin  strongly  bowed  and  ending  in  a blunt 
point,  while  the  lower  pair  have  a decided  point  midway  on  the 
outer  margin.  The  veins  of  the  wings  are  large  and  raised,  and 
from  the  under  side  the  insect  bears  a striking  leaf-like  look.  But 
two  of  the  large  and  handsome  species  of  this  genus  are  found  in 
this  country  north  of  Mexico,  and  they  must  be  regarded  as  strag- 
glers from  more  tropical  climes. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


MEGANOSTOMA  CAESONIA 


Upper  side. 


U uder  side. 


GONEPTERYX  OLARINDE. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Under  Side 


GONEPTERYX  MAERULA 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Unoer  Side 


GONEPTERYX  CLORINDE 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


315 


Gonepteryx  mcerula  is  a large  and  handsome  species,  and  is  of  a 
very  pure  citron  yellow  with  a conspicuous  black  dot  above  the  mid- 
dle of  the  fore  wing  and  a few  faint  dark  spots  along  the  outer 


margin.  It  is  a striking  object  on  the  wing  and  is  common  in  the 
warmer  parts  of  Mexico. 

The  other  species,  Gronepteryx  elarinde , is  almost  white  with  a 
bluish  green  shade.  A long  yellow  patch,  beginning  near  the  mid- 
dle of  the  upper  margin  of  the  upper  wing,  extends  half  way  across 
the  membrane.  It  includes  in  its  outer  margin  a black  spot  sur- 
rounded by  a ring  of  orange.  A small  dark  spot  is  located  near  the 
centre  of  the  lower  wins',  having  an  orange  ring  surrounding  it  also. 
Beneath,  the  insect  is  light  green,  the  lower  half  of  the  upper  wings 
being  almost  white.  Faint  buff  lines  extend  along  the  larger  veins, 
and  a fine  stipple  of  this  color  may  be  seen  on  the  membranes  if 
closely  inspected.  The  dark  spots  of  the  upper  side  are  faintly  in- 
dicated by  a pinkish  shade  beneath.  The  strong  raised  veins  of  the 
under  side  are  undoubtedly  a protection  to  the  animal  when  at  rest, 
as  it  is  very  leaf-like  in  appearance.  This  butterfly  is  common  in  the 


Gonepteryx  mserula. 


31G 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


warmer  parts  of  Mexico  and  Central  America,  and  many  specimens 
annually  find  their  way  to  this  country  with  collections  of  dried  in- 
sects in  papers.  It  is  a good  flyer,  but  like  many  of  its  near  relatives 
is  very  fond  of  alighting  on  the  wet  mud  of  roads  or  the  banks  of 
streams. 

A plain  yellowish  white  insect,  about  the  size  of  or  a little  larger 
than  our  common  yellow  butterfly,  and  inhabiting  Florida  and  the 
gulf  states,  is  Kricogonia  lyside.  While  the  female  is  almost  an 
even  shade  of  yellowish  white,  the  male  has  a yellow  patch  at  the 
base  of  the  upper  wings  and  a darker  shade  at  their  tip.  A con- 
spicuous dark  spot  is  located  just  below  the  upper  margin  of  the 
lower  wing's.  I have  never  seen  this  insect  alive  and  know  nothing- 
of  its  habits. 

Callidryas  contains  several  bright  and  gaudy  butterflies  of  various 
shades  of  orange  or  yellow.  Some  of  the  species  are  of  good  size,  and 


Callidryas  eubule.  Male. 


on  account  of  their  clear  and  pure  colors  are  showy  objects  when  flying 
or  preserved  in  one’s  cabinet.  The  genus  is  represented  by  species 
from  many  parts  of  the  world,  but  those  from  Mexico  and  Central 
America  are  among  the  finest. 

One  of  our  best-known  species  is  Callidryas  eubule,  an  insect 
which  is  plentiful  in  the  south  and  not  infrequently  is  to  be  seen  in 
New  Jersey  and  southern  New  York.  Its  brilliant  yellow  color  and 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


CALLIDRYAS  EUBULE 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


317 


its  size  render  it  conspicuous  as  it  flits  across  the  fields.  It  is  a good 
flyer,  and  the  young  collector  will  need  to  use  his  legs  as  well  as  his 
net  to  capture  it.  The  male  insect  is  of  a plain  lemon  }TellowT  and  is 


Callidryas  irabule.  Female. 


without  markings  above,  having  a few  small,  faint  reddish  brown 
spots  beneath.  The  female  has  a dark  brown  spot  above  the  middle 
of  the  upper  wing  and  several  light  brown  spots  along  the  outer 
margin.  The  caterpillar  is  green,  and  feeds  on  the  cassia. 


Chrysalis  of  Callidryas  eubule. 


The  chrysalis  is  very  peculiar  in  shape,  being  concave  at  the 
back  and  extending  out  into  a wide  flat  keel  or  ridge  on  the  breast. 


318 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


The  insect  ranges  from  the  latitude  of  New  York  City,  in  the 
United  States,  south  through  the  tvliole  of  Central  and  South 
America  to  Patagonia. 

An  insect  second  to  none  of  the  family  in  showy  coloring  is 
Oallidryas  pMlea,  which,  with  its  large  size  and  its  brilliant  yellow 


Callidryas  philea.  Upper  side. 


and  orange  wings,  is  one  of  the  gayest  of  butterflies.  The  home  of 
this  creature  is  tropical  America,  but  it  strays  into  the  southern 
states  of  our  country  and  is  not  rare  in  Texas.  It  is  very  abun- 
dant in  the  low  lands  of  Mexico,  and  my  brothers  found  it  numer- 
ous in  Colombia,  South  America,  although  always  a difficult  insect 
to  capture  on  account  of  its  strong  and  rapid  flight.  The  ground 
color  is  bright  yellow  with  a large  orange  patch  extending  from 
the  upper  margin  of  the  upper  wings  half  way  across  them.  A 
wide  band  of  orange  blending  into  the  yelloAv  follows  the  outer 
margin  of  the  lower  wings.  Beneath,  the  insect  is  strong  Naples 
yellow,  lighter  on  the  lower  half  of  the  upper  wings. 

Another  fine  insect  is  Callidryas  cipris , in  which  the  lower  wings 
at  their  lower  portion  are  carried  out  into  short  rounded  tails.  The 
ground  color  is  bright  yellow  with  a large  area  in  the  middle  part 


Upper  side. 


Under  side. 


CALLIDKYAS  CIPRIS. 


PAPILI0N1D2E. 


821 


of  the  upper  wings  and  a broad  band  on  the  outer  margin  of  the 
lower  pair,  tinged  with  orange.  This  orange  tint  is  sometimes 


Callidryas  pliilea.  Under  side. 


almost  wholly  wanting.  Beneath,  the  color  is  yellow,  diversified 
with  a stipple  of  brown  and  brownish  orange,  in  places  arranged  in 
vague  lines.  A light  spot  above  the  middle  of  the  upper  wing  is 
surrounded  with  a ring  of  brown,  while  two  silvery  spots  similarly 
surrounded,  adorn  the  lower  pair.  Seen  either  from  above  or  below, 
the  butterfly  is  very  handsome.  Like  the  last  species,  this  butterfly 
is  principally  an  inhabitant  of  tropical  America,  and  is  rare  in  the 
United  States.  Many  glorious  specimens  come  from  the  hot  low 
lands  of  Mexico. 

Callidryas  argante  is  deep  orange  in  color,  lighter  along  the  inner 
margin  of  the  lower  wings,  and  having  a few  brown  markings  along 
the  outer  margins  of  both  sets  of  wings,  more  distinct  at  the  apex  of 
the  upper  pair.  The  color  beneath  is  slightly  lighter,  but  is  variegated 
with  a brown  stipple  arranged  in  indistinct  wavy  lines,  veiy  similar  in 
pattern  to  the  last  described  species.  Two  spots  of  silver  are  also 
present  near  the  middle  of  the  lower  wings.  This  insect  is  only 


322 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


found  in  the  extreme  southern  portion  of  our  country,  hut  it 
abounds  in  Mexico  and  Central  America. 


Callidryas  argante. 


Another  species 
name  of  Callidryas 


or  variety  of  the  present  species  goes  by  the 
agarithe.  The  insect  is  slightly  lighter  in  its 


Callidryas  argante.  Under  side. 

coloring,  and  the  under  side  is  not  quite  so  profusely  marked  with 
the  brown  stipple.  Otherwise  it  is  indistinguishable  from  Callidryas 
argante , and  occupies  the  same  territory. 


. • 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


CALLIDRYAS  AGARITHE 


PAP1LI0NIDA3. 


323 


The  genus  Pieris  contains  a large  number  of  white  butterflies  of 

o o 

medium  size,  many  of  which  are  adorned  with  spots  or  markings  of 
dark  brown.  Beneath,  they  are  frequently  yellowish  white  in  color. 
The  caterpillars  are  generally  green,  and  feed  on  cruciferous  plants, 
some  of  the  species  doing  considerable  damage. 

The  chrysalis  is  somewhat  angular,  usually  light  in  color,  and 
although  naked  and  fragile,  and  usually  exposed  to  every  breeze 
that  blows,  it  is  capable  of  withstanding  the  severe  frosts  and  storms 
of  winter,  and  rides  safely  anchored  by  its  silken  threads.  The  in- 
sects inhabit  chiefly  the  northern  hemisphere  of  both  the  old  and  the 
new  world. 

Our  most  abundant  species  is  Pieris  rapce.  This  insect  is  a 
European  importation  which  has  driven  our  native  white  Pieris 
oleracea  almost  out  of  existence.  It  is  one  of  the  most  plentiful  of 
butterflies,  making  its  appearance  early  in  the  spring,  and  being  two 
or  even  three-brooded  in  some  localities.  It  has  a wide  distribution 
over  our  country  and  Europe.  The  larva  of  this  butterfly  is  a great 
enemy  to  the  market  gardener  and  farmer,  sometimes  devouring  his 
young  cabbages  and  cauliflowers  to  such  an  extent  that  nothing  but 
the  bare  stalks  remain  standing  in  the  field. 

The  larva  is  green  and  covered  with  short  down  or  fine  hairs. 
The  chrysalis  is  grayish  or  sometimes  light  green.  This  insect  has 
gradually  spread  over  the  entire  continent,  and  may  be  seen  flying 
in  swarms  over  fields  of  cabbages  or  turnips  anywhere  from  Maine 
to  Texas,  New  York  to  California,  and  no  field  of  cruciferous  plants 
is  safe  from  its  attacks. 

The  heads  of  the  cabbages  are  often  riddled  and  rendered  worth- 
less by  the  holes  made  by  the  larvae,  and  to  destroy  them  is  not  an 
easy  matter.  Catching  the  butterflies  with  a net  when  first  they 
make  their  appearance  and  before  they  can  lay  their  eggs  on  the 
young  plants,  is  perhaps  the  best  method  of  keeping  their  numbers 
down.  The  vigorous  use  of  the  net  for  an  hour  a day  for  two  or 
three  days  at  the  right  time,  will  so  reduce  the  numbers  of  this 
pest  that  the  plants  will  get  a good  start.  This  is  preferable  to 
using  emulsions  of  any  sort  to  kill  the  caterpillars,  as  they  are  apt  to 
make  the  plants  unfit  for  food,  a matter  of  considerable  importance 
to  the  agriculturist. 

Pieris  oleracea,  a butterfly  which  not  long  ago  was  plentiful  over 
a large  part  of  the  north-eastern  United  States,  presumably  owing  to 
the  introduction  of  Pieris  rapce , has  now  become  very  scarce  except 


324 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


in  one  or  two  localities,  where  it  may  still  be  found  in  some  abun- 
dance. I refer  to  the  White  Mountain  region  of  New  Hampshire, 
and  the  Adirondack  region  of  New  York. 


I^ieris  oleracea. 


It  is  a delicate  little  creature  varying  from  pure  white  to  yellow- 
ish white  streaked  with  gray  on  the  veins  above,  while  below  the 
veins  on  the  lower  wings  are  margined  by  gray,  and  the  tip  of  the 


Pieris  oleracea.  Under  side. 


upper  wings  and  all  of  the  lower  pair  are  yellowish.  No  less  than 
ten  different  varieties  of  this  species,  each  with  its  three  scientific 
names,  are  recognized  by  entomologists.  Let  us  hope  that  the 
Latin  names  may  hold  out  to  christen  all  the  new  varieties  which 
may  be  discovered  in  the  future,  or  that  like  this  butterfly,  the 
species-maker  who  manufactures  new  names  by  the  wholesale  may 
be  started  on  the  road  to  extinction  by  the  law  of  the  survival  of 
the  fittest. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PIERIS  RAPAE 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


325 


A pretty  little  species  which  inhabits  the  eastern  half  of  the 
country  is  Pieris  protodice.  Like  many  of  its  near  relatives  its 


Pieris  protodice.  Male. 


larva  feeds  upon  cruciferous  plants,  doing  much  damage  to  the  grow- 
ing crops,  and  when  plentiful  it  is  somewhat  of  a pest. 


Pieris  protodice.  Male.  Under  side. 

There  is  a good  deal  of  variation  in  the  species,  and  the  sexes 
are  unlike,  the  male  being  almost  pure  white  with  a few  dark  spots, 
while  the  females  are  clouded,  and  the  veins  on  the  under  side  are 
margined  with  lines  of  yellow.  This  insect  is  not  common  in  New 
England,  but  in  the  west  and  south  it  may  be  seen  flitting  low  over 
the  fields,  or  on  the  blossoms  of  weeds  during  the  summer  and 
autumn. 


320 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


The  genus  Terias  is  widely  distributed  over  most  parts  of 
the  world.  It  comprises  a large  number  of  butterflies  of  small 


size,  whose  colors  are  mostly  yellow  or  orange  with  black  borders. 
Two  or  three  species  are  very  abundant  in  the  eastern  half  of  our 
country. 

Te  ruts  lisa  is  a little  butterfly,  which,  while  on  the  wing,  one 
might  easily  mistake  for  a small  specimen  of  Colias  philodice.  It  is 
thin  and  delicate,  seemingly  a very  frail  creature.  It  sometimes 
makes  its  appearance  in  great  numbers,  and  lias  even  been  seen  at 
sea  many  miles  from  land,  where  it  doubtless  had  been  swept  by 


Pieris  protodice.  Female. 


strong  currents  of  air.  It  is  distributed  over  the  whole  eastern 
half  of  our  country  except  the  most  northern  part,  and  although 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Under  Side 


TERIAS  LISA 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


827 


not  commonly  seen  in  New  England,  it  is  very  abundant  in  the 
south  and  west. 

Like  many  of  its  near  relatives  there  is  a good  deal  of  variation 
in  coloring  between  specimens,  and  albinos  are  not  rare.  The  cater- 
pillar feeds  on  the  cassia. 


Terias  nicippe.  Male.  Under  side. 


A bright  and  pretty  insect,  which  is  frequently  so  abundant  in 
the  south  and  west  as  to  be  a feature  in  the  landscape,  is  Terias  ni- 
cippe. The  deep  orange  wings  bordered  with  sharply  defined  bands 


Terias  nicippe.  Female. 


of  black  of  the  male  insect  contrast  strongly  with  the  pale  orange 
or  sometimes  yellow  clouded  wings  of  the  female.  Considerable 
variation  exists  too,  between  individuals  of  the  same  sex.  This 
butterfly  actuall}r  swarms  in  Tennessee  at  certain  seasons,  and  I 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


328 

recall  with  pleasure  an  early  morning  ride  during  August  over  the 
rich  alluvial  plains  along  the  Mississippi  River,  where  hundreds  if 
not  thousands  of  these  insects  were  to  be  seen.  As  we  jogged 
along  over  the  country  road,  the  dark,  luxuriant,  almost  tropical 
forest  on  both  sides,  the  scene  was  enlivened  by  these  butterflies  as 


Terias  liicippe.  Female.  Under  side. 


they  rose  in  numbers  from  the  grass,  sometimes  appearing  like  a 
small  cloud  about  us.  They  were  not  wild,  and  soon  settled  again 
among  the  grasses  by  the  road  side.  This  insect  is  rarely  seen 
further  north  than  the  latitude  of  New  York  City,  and  is  most 
abundant  in  tbe  southern  states,  whence  it  ranges  south  into  Mexico, 
Central  America  and  South  America.  The  larva  feeds  on  the  cassia 
and  clover. 


Terias  jucunda. 


A tiny  and  very  delicate  creature  is  Terias  jucunda.  The  colors 
are  bright  yellow  and  black,  disposed  as  shown  in  the  illustration, 
while  the  under  side,  particularly  of  the  lower  wings,  is  very  light 
or  almost  white,  the  upper  pair  being  light  yellow  bordered  by  light 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


TERIAS  NICIPPE 


PAPILIONID.E. 


329 


gray.  This  insect  is  abundant  in  the  states  bordering  on  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico.  It  is  of  feeble  flight,  keeping  near  the  ground  and 
seldom  flying  far  at  a time.  Two  or  three  other  species  of  tliis 
genus  closely  resembling  this  one  are  found  in  the  southern  states. 
This  species,  however,  is  lighter  beneath  than  the  others. 


Terias  proterpia. 

A butterfly  belonging  to  this  genus,  of  a deep  orange  color  and 
with  angular  outlines  to  the  wings,  is  Terias  proterpia.  Along  the 
upper  margin  of  the  upper  wing  is  a heavy  black  band  shading  into 
gray.  This  color  is  continued,  although  very  faintly,  on  the  outer 
margin  of  the  lower  wing.  The  veins  of  the  lower  wings  and  the 
outer  portion  of  those  of  the  upper  pair  are  black.  This  little  but- 
terfly is  found  in  Texas  and  Mexico,  and  I have  a number  collected 
in  Colombia,  South  America.  I have  never  seen  the  insect  alive 
and  can  give  no  information  as  to  its  habits. 

Some  very  prettily  marked  butterflies  belong  to  the  genus  Antho- 
cliaris.  They  are  small,  frail  creatures,  weak  in  flight,  their  deli- 
cately tinted  and  rounded  wings  suggesting  the  petals  of  a flower. 
Their  usual  color  is  creamy  white  with  brown  markings.  The  tip 
of  the  upper  wing  is  usually  occupied  with  a brown  patch,  in  the 
middle  of  which  in  many  species  is  an  orange  or  red  spot.  Others 
lack  this  orange  spot  except  in  the  male  insect,  and  others  still  do 
not  have  it  in  either  of  the  sexes.  The  lower  wings  are  usually 
margined  with  brown  spots.  The  under  side  of  the  lower  wings 
is  mottled  with  green,  giving  them  a mossy  appearance.  This  mot- 
tling also  occurs  near  the  tip  of  the  upper  wings  beneath,  and  the 
orange  spot  where  present  is  sometimes  reproduced  below.  The 
wings  are  very  thin  and  the  moss-like  markings  on  the  under  side 


330 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


of  the  lower  wings  is  readily  seen  through  them  from  above,  where 
they  appear  as  a gray  shade.  We  have  hut  two  species  in  the 
eastern  half  of  our  country,  hut  several  very  beautiful  kinds  are 
natives  of  the  Pacific  coast,  where  they  are  not  rare. 

I can  remember  one  very  delightful  morning  in  May,  many  years 
ago,  spent  at  what  was  then  the  gold  mining  town  of  Sonora,  Califor- 
nia. The  gold  lias  since  been  washed  from  the  bed  of  the  streams 
and  the  people  have  mostly  turned  their  attention  to  agriculture.  At 
the  time  of  my  visit  it  was  the  centre  for  a lively  mining  population 


and  on  going  out  to  view  the  placer  works,  with  their  heaps  of 
debris , the  hundreds  of  pits  and  miles  of  flumes,  I was  surprised  to 
see  a number  of  these  little  butterflies  flitting  about  the  weeds  which 


grew  among  the  heaps  of  boulders.  I straightway  secured  my  net 
and  after  half  a day  of  clambering  over  the  rocks  in  the  hot  sun- 
shine I filled  my  box  with  specimens  in  their  papers.  It  was  warm 


AuLliocliaris  olympia.  Under  side. 


PAPILIONIDJE. 


331 


and  fatiguing  work,  but  I enjoyed  it.  The  miners  seemed  to  enjoy 
it  too,  for  once  when  I missed  my  footing  and  rolled  down  a steep 
bank  into  a puddle  of  muddy  water,  a roar  of  laughter  went  up 
from  half  a hundred  lusty  throats.  But  I didn't  care  ; they  had  their 
laugh  and  I had  the  butterflies.  1 only  wish  I now  hall  a few  of  the 
dozens  of  beautiful  anthocharis  I captured  that  morning. 

Anthocharis  olympia  has  no  orange  spot  at  the  apex  of  the  fore- 
wing in  either  sex,  but  it  is  a veiy  pretty  little  butterfly  nevertheless. 
The  upper  side  is  creamy  white  with  brown  markings,  arranged  as 
shown  in  the  illustration,  the  mottlings  of  the  under  side  of  the 
lower  wings  showing  distinctly  through.  The  under  side  is  mottled 
with  olive  green  on  a white  ground,  giving  a very  pretty  effect.  It 
is  found  in  Texas. 


Anthocharis  genutia. 

Anthocharis  genutia  is  found  from  New  England  south,  although 
I have  never  seen  it  very  abundant  anywhere.  This  insect  can  be 


Anthocharis  genutia.  Under  side. 


readily  recognized  by  the  hooked  or  falcate  forward  wing.  It  is 
very  frail  and  of  feeble  flight.  The  insect  is  white,  the  tip  of  the 
forward  wings  of  the  male  being  orange,  while  in  the  female  it  is 

O O O ' 


332 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


spotted  with  brown  without  the  orange.  The  under  side  is  deli- 
cately marbled  with  olive  green  and  brown. 

I have  taken  this  butterfly  near  Washington,  D.  C.,  where  one 


may  collect  half  a dozen  specimens  in  a day  at  the  right  season.  It 
is  one  of  our  prettiest  species,  and  nearly  always  attracts  attention 
in  one’s  cabinet. 


An  interesting  group  of  butterflies  is  the  genus  Parnassius , in 
which  the  wings  are  so  thinly  covered  with  scales  as  to  be  partially 
transparent.  The  colors  are  light  yellowish  white  with  brown  or 
slate  colored  markings  and  red  or  yellow  spots,  while  they  have  a 
decidedly  moth-like  look  from  the  amount  of  down  or  soft  hairs  on 


Parnassius  clodius. 


PAPILIONID.E. 


333 


the  surface.  The  bodies  of  these  insects  are  dark  in  color  and  very 
hairy. 

The  larvre  are  dark  colored,  flattened  beneath,  and  pass  through 
their  transformations  on  the  ground,  gathering  a few  hits  of  leaves  or 
twigs  into  a loose  cocoon,  which  is  held  together  by  silken  threads. 

These  butterflies  are  all  inhabitants  of  mountainous  districts  and 
are  found  both  in  the  old  world  and  the  new.  While  we  have  no 
species  of  this  genus  in  the  eastern  part  of  our  country,  they  are 
found  on  the  Sierra  Nevada  and  Rocky  Mountains  as  far  east  as 
Colorado. 

There  is  great  variation  in  the  coloring  of  the  specimens,  individ- 
uals ranging  from  almost  white  with  yellow  spots  to  slate  color  with 
red  spots.  These  insects  are  not  difficult  to  capture,  as  they  fly  near 
the  ground.  I have  never  seen  them  abundant,  and  by  collectors  in 
this  country  they  are  generally  considered  most  valuable  specimens 
to  possess. 

In  the  genus  Papilio  are  classed  many  of  the  largest  and 
handsomest  butterflies  the  world  affords.  The  group  reaches  its 
greatest  development,  both  as  to  the  number  of  the  species  and  the 
extraordinary  beauty  of  their  coloring,  in  southern  India  and  through- 
out the  islands  of  the  Malay  Archipelago,  but  we  have  many  very 
fine  species  in  our  country  and  in  Mexico  and  South  America. 

Rev.  J.  G.  Wood,  in  writing  of  this  group,  says  : “ The  genus  is  a 
very  comprehensive  one,  including  between  two  and  three  hundred 
known  species,  among  which  may  be  found  almost  every  imaginable 
tint  in  every  gradation  and  exhibiting  bold  contrasts  of  color  which 
scarcely  any  human  artist  would  dare  to  place  together,  and  which 
yet  produce  a result  equally  striking  and  harmonious.” 

The  group  lias  been  divided  into  several  genera  by  some  authors, 
and  although  the  general  characteristics  of  the  species  thus  separated 
are  not  difficult  to  follow,  they  seem  somewhat  arbitrary,  especially 
as  there  is  a great  similarity  in  the  habits  and  development  of  the 
species  of  the  whole  group.  Had  there  been  but  a few  species  of  the 
various  classes,  instead  of  dozens  or  scores,  the  genus  would  probably 
have  been  left  entire,  much  to  the  satisfaction  and  convenience  of 
those  who  wish  to  acquire  knowledge  on  the  subject  of  entomology. 

Many  of  these  butterflies  are  supplied  with  tails  or  prolongations 
to  the  lower  wings  which  add  much  to  their  beauty.  In  some  these 
tails  are  long  and  narrow,  in  others  short  and  wide,  while  a few  of 
the  species  are  destitute  of  tails.  Their  larvae  are  fleshy,  of  various 


334 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


colors,  and  some  are  supplied  with  soft  horns  or  filaments  growing 
from  various  parts  of  their  bodies.  At  the  hack  of  the  head  of  the 


Metamorphosis  of  Papilio. 


larva  is  situated  a forked  organ  giving  off  a powerful  odor,  which 
is  doubtless  used  as  a means  of  protection  against  its  various  ene- 
mies. When  not  in  use  this  organ  is  retracted  and  entirely  concealed. 
The  larvae  feed  on  various  trees  and  herbaceous  plants,  but  are 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


335 


seldom  sufficiently  plentiful  to  do  much  damage.  The  chrysalides  of 
many  of  the  species  are  protected  by  their  coloring,  some  being  brown 
or  gray  and  imitating  bits  of  bark  or  decayed  wood,  while  others  are 
green,  and  when  hidden  among  the  leaves  are  very  difficult  to  see. 

According  to  Mr.  Henry  Edwards,  “ Twenty  species,  or  at  least 
strongly  marked  forms  of  true  Papilio  may  be  credited  to  the  United 
States.” 

Papilio  turnus  is  one  of  the  largest  and  handsomest  species  of 
this  group  found  within  the  borders  of  our  country.  It  is  an  abun- 
dant insect  over  a large  part  of  North  America,  but  is  replaced  on 
the  Pacific  Slope  by  two  or  three  allied  forms  not  very  different  in 
size  and  coloring. 

Specimens  of  this  species  vary  greatly  in  size,  ranging  all  the  way 
from  the  small  New  England  insects,  frequently  less  than  three  and 
one-half  inches  in  expanse  of  wings,  to  the  magnificent  creatures  seen 
occasionally  from  southern  Illinois  southward,  five  and  one-half  or 
even  six  inches  across.  These  large  insects  are  often  truly  grand  in 
coloring,  and  easily  take  a place  among  the  princes  of  the  butterfly 
world.  In  New  England  the  species  makes  its  appearance  frequently 
as  early  as  the  middle  of  Ma}r,  and  is  usually  plentiful  for  three  or 
four  weeks.  Stragglers  may  occasionally  be  taken  during  the  latter 
part  of  summer  and  early  in  the  fall,  but  tire  insect  is  single  brooded, 
except  possibly  in  the  southern  part  of  its  territory. 

W1  ten  the  foliage  is  fresh  and  green  and  the  woods  resound  with 
the  songs  of  birds  and  the  hum  of  insect  life  awakened  from  its 
winter  sleep,  our  beautiful  tiger  swallow-tail,  as  it  is  commonly  called, 
delights  to  congregate  about  sunny  openings  in  the  forest,  chasing 
each  other  high  up  among  the  oak  leaves,  or  opening  and  shutting 
its  gaily  tinted  wings  as  it  alights  on  the  lower  shubbery.  The 
butterflies  are  not  very  shy  at  these  times,  and  one  may  quietly  walk 
into  their  chosen  playground  without  disturbing  them.  They  fre- 
quently quit  the  forest  in  quest  of  sweets,  and  visit  the  cultivated 
fields.  The  syringa  is  one  of  their  favorite  flowers,  and  so  intent  are 
they  on  extracting  the  honey  that  one  may  frequently  capture  them 
with  the  fingers.  With  other  species  of  butterflies  they  congregate 
in  great  numbers  on  the  muddy  banks  of  streams  or  lakes  or  at  wet 
places  in  the  roads,  where  one  may  take  a dozen  or  more  with  one 
sweep  of  the  net.  A friend  of  mine  tells  of  seeing  a patch  of  these 
butterflies  covering  a space  of  several  square  feet,  resting  on  the  mud 
near  a lake  in  northern  New  Hampshire,  where  he  lias  been  aceus- 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


336 

tomecl  to  spend  a part  of  each  summer  camping.  Hundreds  of  these 
insects  were  congregated  on  the  shore,  and  the  birds,  frogs  and  toads 
were  reaping  a harvest.  They  are  usually  exceedingly  plentiful  near 
Sunapee  Lake,  in  New  Hampshire,  during  the  latter  part  of  June, 
and  make  an  interesting  picture  as  they  rise  in  a swarm  from  the 
lake  shore  on  being  disturbed.  But  they  never  look  more  rich  and 
beautiful  than  when  flying  by  twos  and  threes  about  in  the  sunshine 
with  the  fresh  young  leaves  of  the  oaks  for  a background. 


Papilio  glaucus. 


In  the  southern  and  western  States  a beautiful  dimorphic  form  of 
the  female  only  of  this  species  may  occasionally  be  taken.  It  is 
called  Papilio  glaucus , and  a truly  magnificent  insect  it  is. 

An  idea  of  its  size  and  shape  will  be  had  from  the  accompanying 
plate,  but  its  rich  black  wings  stippled  with  blue  over  a large  part  of 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


PAPILIO  TURNUS 


PAPILIONIDJE. 


337 


their  surface,  can  be  but  partially  appreciated  from  what  is  shown  in 
the  accompanying  figure.  The  insect  is  so  dark  that  it  looks  at  first 
sight  like  a very  large  and  fine  Papilio  troilus.  A closer  inspection 
reveals  the  true  character  of  the  creature,  as  the  dark  bands  so  con- 
spicuous on  the  common  form  can  be  faintly  seen  on  the  under  side 
of  the  wings  of  this  variety. 


Papilio  glaucus.  Under  side. 


The  larva  feeds  on  apple,  birch  and  wild  thorn,  and  is  green  in 
color,  with  two  eye-like  spots  on  the  thorax.  It  resembles  the  larva 
of  Papilio  troilus , of  which  a figure  is  given  on  page  351.  It  is  a 
rather  difficult  creature  to  find,  and  its  chrysalis,  which  is  usually 
attached  to  a twig  or  branch,  is  gray  and  brown  in  color  and  looks 
not  unlike  a piece  of  loosened  bark. 

Papilio  rutulus  very  closely  resembles  Papilio  turnus , and  takes 
the  place  of  that  species  on  the  western  half  of  the  continent.  The 
females  never  assume  the  dark  color  of  the  dimorphic  form  of 


338 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


Papilio  turnus.  My  brother  found  this  butterfly,  with  Papilio 
zolicaon , the  western  representative  of  Papilio  asterias , very  abun- 
dant at  Franktown,  near  Washoe,  Nevada,  during  the  month  of  June. 


Papilio  rutulus. 

in  habits  it  much  resembles  its  near  relative  in  the  east,  and  was 
taken  in  numbers  with  a decoy  placed  within  reach  of  the  net  where 
the  insects  were  at  play. 

Another  very  large  and  beautiful  butterfly  is  Papilio  daunus.  It 
closely  resembles  Papilio  turnus  in  coloring,  but  the  points  on  the 
lower  wings  are  lengthened  into  tails  which  add  much  to  the  beauty 
of  the  insect. 

The  species  is  most  plentiful  in  Colorado,  New  Mexico  and  Mex- 
ico, but  specimens  have  been  taken  in  Kansas  and  Texas.  The 
one  here  figured  is  from  the  City  of  Mexico,  where  it  is  not  rare 
in  March  and  April,  then  frequently  visiting  the  flowers  in  the 
public  squares.  It  is  often  seen  flying  high  over  the  houses,  but 
when  feeding  on  the  flowers  is  easily  taken.  Considerable  variation 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


389 


in  coloring  occurs,  some  specimens  being  almost  orange,  while  others 
are  light  yellow. 


Papilio  daunus. 


One  has  to  use  great  care  in  removing  these  grand  insects  from 
the  net,  as  the  slender  tails  of  the  lower  wings  are  easily  broken. 

An  insect  which  looks  a good  deal  like  Papilio  daunus , except 
that  it  is  smaller  and  the  bands  of  black  on  the  margins  of  the  wing's 
are  broader,  is  Papilio  pilumnus. 

The  points  or  tails  on  the  lower  wings  are  even  more  marked  than 
in  Papilio  daunus  and  the  insect  is  of  somewhat  slighter  build.  It 
is  a very  beautiful  butterfly,  but  is  more  a Mexican  insect  than 
properly  belonging  to  our  fauna.  It  is  occasionally  taken  in  Arizona 
and  Texas. 


340 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


A butterfly  which  looks  as  if  it  had  in  part  borrowed  its  shape 
from  Papilio  turnus  and  its  colors  from  our  next  species,  Papilio 
ajax,  is  Papilio  eurymedon.  This  insect  belongs  to  the  western  half 
of  the  continent  and  is  plentiful  along  the  eastern  base  of  the  Sierra 
Nevada  in  June  and  July.  The  caterpillar  resembles  that  of  Papilio 
turnus. 


Papilio  ajax.  Early  Spring  Form. 


Having  little  similarity  to,  and  therefore  easily  distinguished 
from  our  other  species  of  Papilio , is  Papilio  ajax.  Like  so  many  of 
this  tine  family  it  is  an  exceedingly  beautiful  insect.  Several  varie- 
ties of  the  butterfly  are  recognized  by  naturalists,  each  having  its 
own  name,  which  were  at  one  time  supposed  to  be  distinct  species. 
It  has  been  discovered,  however,  by  careful  observation  that  all  the 
varieties  may  spring  from  the  same  set  of  eggs,  those  which  emerge 
from  the  chrysalides  early  being  the  smaller  and  lighter  and  having 
short  tails  to  the  hindermost  wings,  those  which  hatch  later  being 
somewhat  larger  and  darker,  with  longer  tails,  and  those  which  are 
developed  from  the  eggs  and  larvse  the  same  season  being  the  larger, 
with  wide  bands  of  black  and  having  long  tails.  The  accompanying 
figures  will  give  a clear  idea  of  the  differences  between  the  varieties. 


Late  Spring  Form. 


Summer  Form. 


PAPILIO  AJAX. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Sioe 


PAPILIO  AJAX 


PAPILIONIIUE. 


343 


When  fresh  from  the  chrysalis  with  its  velvety  wings  in  the 
height  of  perfection,  there  are  very  few  insects  more  beautiful  than 
this.  The  graceful  shape  of  the  insect,  with  the  delicately  tinted 
green  stripes  across  the  wings  between  the  bars  of  dark  brown  and 
black,  and  the  touches  of  blue  and  red  on  the  lower  wings,  make  it 
exceedingly  attractive,  and  the  young  collector  is  likely  to  feel  a 
thrill  of  pleasure  as  he  takes  from  his  net  the  first  perfect  specimen. 
It  is  a rare  butterfly  in  New  England,  but  is  occasionally  taken  in 
the  lower  Connecticut  vallej".  Throughout  the  middle  and  western 
states,  ranging  as  far  west  as  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  in  the  south, 
it  is  a common  butterfly.  1 have  had  many  small  and  brilliantly 


colored  specimens  from  Florida  and  have  collected  large  and  fine 
ones  in  southern  Ohio.  Near  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  it  is  exceedingly 
abundant  during  the  summer,  where  it  may  be  seen  flying  along  the 
roads  and  paths  by  the  river  or  alighting  in  the  fields  of  clover. 

A week's  collecting  during  July,  on  the  banks  of  the  Little 
Miami  River,  near  Fort  Ancient  in  southern  Ohio,  where  I procured, 
among  others,  many  grand  insects  of  this  species,  I remember  as  one 
of  my  pleasantest  experiences  in  butterfly  hunting.  It  is  a grand 
locality  for  collecting,  and  the  fertile  valley,  with  its  groves  of  large 
forest  trees  and  fine  farms,  makes  it  an  ideal  spot  for  a short  stay. 
The  butterflies  were  most  numerous  along  the  banks  of  the  little 
river  and  Papilio  ajax , with  its  tails  looking  like  streamers  attached 
to  its  lower  wings,  was  one  of  the  most  abundant  species. 

The  food  plant  of  the  larva  is  the  paw  paw,  and  with  caution  the 
female  butterfly  could  be  approached  and  watched  while  she  deposi- 
ted her  eggs  singly  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaves.  The  plants 


344 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


selected  for  this  purpose  were  usually  the  low  bushes  not  over  a foot 
or  two  high,  and  three  or  four  of  the  light  green  larvse  were  some- 
times seen  quietly  feeding  on  one  bush.  Toward  evening  the  butter- 
flies collected  about  the  paw  paw  bushes  and  settled  for  the  night 
clinging  to  the  under  side  of  the  leaves,  where  early  in  the  morning 
they  might  he  taken  with  the  fingers.  Many  of  the  transfers  of  this 
species  for  this  work  have  been  made  from  butterflies  taken  in  south- 
ern Ohio.  It  is  not  difficult  to  rear  this  insect  in  captivity.  Some 
of  the  chrysalides  are  light  green  and  others  brown,  and  are  translu- 
cent until  the  butterfly  begins  to  form  beneath  the  outer  shell. 

Several  very  beautiful  species  closely  allied  to  Papilio  ajax  are 
natives  of  Central  and  South  America.  In  Colombia  my  brothers 
took  some  of  the  largest  and  finest  of  the  group,  specimens  of  which 
now  adorn  our  cabinets. 


One  of  our  largest  and  most  strikingly  colored  butterflies  is 
Papilio  cresphontes,  a very  good  idea  of  which  may  be  had  by  refer- 
ence to  the  transfer. 

The  contrast  between  the  upper  and  under  side  of  the  insect  is 
very  marked,  and  when  on  the  wing  the  butterfly  looks  black  at  one 
moment  and  yellow  at  another,  according  to  which  side  of  the  wings 
is  seen  by  the  observers.  The  home  of  this  fine  butterfly  is  in  the 
southern  and  western  states,  but  it  is  sometimes  to  be  found  in 
the  north  and  several  specimens  have  been  taken  near  my  home  in 
Massachusetts  within  the  last  few  years.  It  is  abundant  in  southern 
Illinois  in  July,  and  is  not  at  all  rare  in  southern  Ohio  at  that  season 
of  the  year.  On  looking  out  of  the  car  window  as  the  train  stopped  for 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PAPILIO  CRESPHONTES 


PAPILIONID.E. 


345 


a few  moments  at  the  small  station  of  Fruitland,  near  Lebanon,  Ohio, 
some  years  ago,  I was  a good  deal  surprised  to  see  a clover  held  near 
by  alive  with  this  insect.  They  were  flying  in  dozens  over  the  held 
and  opening  and  closing  their  wings  as  they  rested  on  the  clover 
blossoms  sipping  the  honey.  In  the  southern  states  and  Mexico  this 
is  one  of  the  commonest  of  butterflies. 

The  larva  feeds  on  the  leaves  of  the  orange  and  lemon  trees  and 
at  times  is  sufficiently  plentiful  to  do  some  damage.  It  is  a large 
and  formidable  looking  creature,  being’  purplish  brown  in  color,  with 
large  patches  of  light  yellow  disposed  as  shown  in  the  accompanying 
illustration.  The  chrysalis  looks  a good  deal  like  that  of  Papilio 
asterias  in  shape,  but  is  larger  and  rougher  and  is  mottled  with  brown, 
purple  and  yellow. 


Papilio  tlioas. 


Closely  allied  to  Papilio  cresphontes  and  looking  a good  deal  like 
it  is  Papilio  tlioas.  The  two  species  are  easily  separated,  Papilio 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


346 

thoas  having  longer  and  more  slender  tails  and  a wide  yellow  band  on 
both  sets  of  wings,  while  the  row  of  yellow  spots  between  the  yellow 
band  and  the  outer  margin  of  the  upper  wings  in  Papilio  cresphon- 
tes  is  often  wanting  in  this  species.  The  butterfly  inhabits  Mexico 


Papilio  thoas.  Under  side. 


and  Central  America,  where  it  is  abundant.  It  is  sometimes  taken 
in  Texas.  The  caterpillar,  like  that  of  the  preceding  species,  feeds 
on  the  lemon  and  oranue. 

O 

Papilio  asterias  appears  in  May  and  June  and  again  in  August. 
It  is  a handsome  butterfly  and  one  which  will  early  attract  the  atten- 
tion of  the  young  entomologist. 

The  different  stages  in  the  life  of  this  insect  are  shown  on  page 
334. 

The  eggs  are  laid  by  the  female  on  the  young  plants  of  the  car- 
rot, parsley,  parsnip,  etc. 

When  you  no-,  the  larvae  are  black,  with  a Avhite  band  across  the 


PAPILIONID^-E. 


347 


middle,  and  orange  spots  on  the  sides.  They  change  their  color  at 
each  moult  and  on  reaching  maturity  are  light  green,  with  bold  black 
bands,  which  partly  enclose  a number  of  bright  yellow  spots.  Upon 
being  disturbed,  the  larva  protrudes  a forked  scent  organ  from  just 
back  of  its  head,  which  gives  off  a disagreeable  odor.  This  organ  is 
orange  in  color  and  by  the  manner  in  which  it  is  used,  one  might 
suppose  the  insect  to  be  venomous.  Except,  however,  for  the  havoc 
which  the  insect  sometimes  makes  in  the  vegetable  garden,  it  is 
harmless. 

The  caterpillars  are  exceedingly  subject  to  the  attacks  of  para- 
sites, and  it  frequently  happens  that  from  one  hundred  of  them,  one 
will  obtain  but  half  a dozen  butterflies. 

An  interesting  account  is  given  by  Mr.  Harris  in  his  “Insects 
Injurious  to  Vegetation  ” of  the  manner  in  which  the  larva  of  this 
species  prepares  for  its  change  into  the  chrysalis  state  and  its  hatch- 
ing into  the  butterfly.  He  says,  “The  caterpillars  usually  come  to 
their  full  size  between  the  10th  and  20th  of  July  and  then  measure 
about  one  inch  and  a half  in  length.  After  this  they  leave  off  eat- 
ing, desert  the  plants,  and  each  one  seeks  some  sheltered  spot,  such 
as  the  side  of  a building  or  fence,  or  the  trunk  of  a tree,  where  it 
prepares  for  its  transformation.  It  first  spins  a little  web  or  tuft  of 
silk  against  the  surface  wheron  it  is  resting,  and  tangles  the  hooks 
of  its  hindermost  feet  in  it,  so  as  to  fix  them  securely  to  the  spot ; 
it  then  proceeds  to  make  a loop  or  girth  of  many  silken  threads  bent 
into  the  form  of  the  letter  U,  the  ends  of  which  are  fastened  to  the 
surface  on  which  it  rests  on  each  side  of  the  middle  of  its  body,  and 
under  this  when  finished  it  passes  its  head,  and  gradually  works  the 
loop  over  its  back  so  as  to  support  the  body  and  prevent  it  from  fall- 
ing downwards. 

“ Though  it  generally  prefers  a vertical  surface  on  which  to  fasten 
itself  in  an  upright  position,  it  sometimes  selects  the  under  side  of 
a limb  or  of  a projecting  ledge,  where  it  hangs  suspended,  nearly 
horizontally,  by  its  feet  and  the  loop. 

“ Within  twenty-four  hours  after  it  has  taken  its  station,  the  cater- 
pillar casts  off  its  caterpillar  skin  and  becomes  a chrysalis  or  pupa 
of  a pale  green,  ochre  yellow  or  ash  gray  color,  with  two  short,  ear- 
like projections  above  the  head,  just  below  which,  on  the  upper  part 
of  tire  back,  is  a prominence  like  a pug  nose.  The  chrysalis  hangs 
in  the  same  way  as  the  caterpillar  and  remains  in  this  state  from 
nine  to  fifteen  days,  according  to  the  temperature  of  the  atmosphere, 


348 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


cold  and  wet  weather  having  a tendency  to  prolong  the  period. 
When  this  is  terminated,  the  skin  of  the  chrysalis  bursts  open  and 
a butterfly  issues  from  it,  clings  to  the  empty  shell  till  its  crumpled 
and  drooping  wings  have  extended  to  their  full  dimensions  and  have 
become  dried,  upon  which  it  Hies  away  in  pursuit  of  companions  and 
food." 


Papilio  asterias.  Male. 


Mr.  Harris,  I think,  errs  in  stating  that  the  larva  spins  a silken 
girth  and  then  “ gradually  works  the  loop  over  its  back,”  as  those 
which  1 have  watched  during  this  performance  have  spun  the  girdle 
from  side  to  side  over  the  body,  bending  the  head  backwards  and  at- 
taching the  thread  of  silk  on  each  side,  repeating  the  operation  until 
the  loop  was  sufficiently  strong  to  hold  its  weight. 

So  plentiful  are  the  chrysalides  at  times  that  I have  taken  doz- 
ens of  them  from  the  underside  of  the  capping  board  of  a fence 
which  bounded  a neglected  field  of  carrots,  where  the  plants  had  been 
stripped  to  mere  stalks  by  the  caterpillars.  This  butterfly  is  often  seen 
in  company  with  other  species  along  country  roads,  but  is  not  an  easy 
species  to  capture,  being  rather  shy  and  flying  rapidly  when  alarmed. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PAPILIO  ASTERIAS 


PAPTLI0NIDJ2. 


349 


If  one  desires  to  rear  it  in  numbers,  a female  should  be  captured 
and  induced  to  lay  her  eggs  on  a bunch  of  the  food  plant,  and  when 
the  young  caterpillars  appear  they  should  he  fed  with  tender  shoots 
and  protected  from  the  parasites. 


Papilio  asterias.  Female. 

There  are  two  broods  in  one  season,  and  the  last,  after  hatching 
into  larvse  and  turning  to  chrysalides,  hibernate  during  the  winter  in 
this  state. 

The  male  and  female  butterflies  may  readily  be  distinguished 
from  one  another,  the  former  being  usually  smaller  and  more  strik- 
ingly marked,  with  the  yellow  spots  brighter  and  more  sharply  de- 
fined. The  female  frequently  lacks  the  inner  row  of  large  yellow 
spots  seen  on  tire  upper  wings  of  the  male,  they  being  sometimes  re- 
duced in  size  or  wholly  wanting,  while  the  lower  wings  are  usually 
adorned  with  more  blue  than  is  to  be  found  on  the  wing's  of  the  male. 

Beautifully  colored  varieties  of  this  butterfly  are  occasionally 
taken,  where  yellow  and  rusty  red  occupy  a large  part  of  the  area 
of  the  wings. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


350 


The  insect  inhabits  the  whole  of  the  United  States  east  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  the  southern  part  of  Canada. 

Papilio  zolicaon  resembles  Papilio  aster ias  in  size  and  shape,  but 
lias  much  more  yellow  on  the  wings,  the  spots  having  widened  and 
lengthened  out  into  wide  bands  crossed  by  the  dark  lines  of  the 
veins. 


Papilio  zolicaon. 

This  insect  inhabits  the  western  half  of  the  continent  and  is 
plentiful  in  California,  where  it  has  much  the  same  habits  as  Papilio 
asterias , the  larvae  feeding  on  the  same  plants. 

Another  insect  somewhat  resembling  Papilio  asterias  but  having 
much  more  black  than  the  preceding  species  is  Papilio  in  dr  a.  The 
tails,  however,  are  very  short  and  the  yellow  spots  are  lighter  and 
run  more  together  than  in  either  of  the  other  species. 

It  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  western  half  of  the  continent  and  was 
taken  in  some  numbers  by  my  brother  on  the  mountains  in  California. 

A large  and  showy  butterfly  is  Papilio  troilus.  This  insect  is 
common  throughout  the  eastern  half  of  the  continent  during  the 
summer  months  and  is  familiar  to  every  collector.  It  somewhat 
resembles  the  female  of  Papilio  asterias , but  can  be  readily  distin- 
guished from  that  insect  by  observing  the  red  and  yellow  spots  on 
the  under  side  of  the  wings,  which  are  duller  in  color  and  more 


PAP  [LIONISE. 


351 


nearly  round  than  in  Papilio  asterias.  There  are  also  several  other 
well-marked  characteristics  by  which  the  insects  may  be  separated. 


Larva  of  Papilio  troilus. 


The  female  deposits  her  eggs  singly  on  the  leaves  of  the  spice 
bush  and  sassafras,  and  the  young  larva  is  no  sooner  out  of  the  egg 
than  it  begins  to  prepare  a habitation  for  itself  where  it  shall  be  safe 
from  the  prying  eyes  of  the  insect-eating  birds.  This  is  constructed 
in  the  following  manner.  Selecting  a suitable  leaf  of  its  food  plant, 
the  larva  commences  to  spin  a fine  web  backward  and  forward  across 
the  middle  portion  of  the  leaf.  As  this  web  is  stretched  tightly,  the 


Chrysalis  of  Papilio  troilus. 


sides  of  the  leaf  soon  begin  to  fold  over  and  as  the  web  is  added  to, 
they  finally  come  together  over  the  back  of  the  insect,  entirely  shield- 
ing it  from  sight.  Unlike  some  of  the  larvae  of  other  butterflies, 
which  no  sooner  complete  a home  than  they  make  their  first  meal 
off  the  leaves  which  compose  it,  this  insect  rarely  or  never  nibbles 
its  habitation,  but  keeps  it  in  the  perfection  of  good  order  and  neat- 
ness. It  rarely  ventures  forth  during  the  daytime,  but  remains 
quietly  resting  upon  its  silken  cot  and  at  evening  cautiously  crawls 
out  to  feed  upon  the  surrounding  foliage.  As  the  larva  grows  the 


352 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


smaller  home  is  exchanged  for  one  more  suited  to  its  size,  and  it  is 
not  an  unusual  thing  to  find  three  or  four  leaves  still  green  and 
perfect  which  have  successively  housed  the  same  caterpillar. 

The  body  of  the  larva  is  thick  toward  the  anterior  end,  gradually 
tapering  from  the  fourth  segment  backward. 

Mr.  Saunders,  in  describing  a caterpillar  of  this  species,  which  he 
found  rolled  up  in  a leaf  of  the  spice  bush,  says : “ Its  length  was 
about  one  and  three-fourths  inches,  the  body  being  thickest  from  the 
third  to  the  fifth  segments.  The  head  is  rather  small,  flat  in  front, 
slightly  bilobed,  dull  flesh  color,  with  a faint  tinge  of;  brown.  The 
body  is  bright  pea  green,  with  a yellow  stripe  across  the  anterior  part 
of  the  second  segment,  edged  behind  with  dull  black.  On  the 
fourth  segment  are  two  prominent  eye-like  spots,  of  dull  yellowish 
or  yellowish  buff,  encircled  by  a fine  ring  of  black,  and  a large  black 
pupil  filling  most  of  the  lower  portion.  The  posterior  portion  of  this 
black  pupil  is  encircled  by  a shining  bluish  black  ring,  the  anterior 
portion  of  which  strikes  a little  beyond  the  middle  of  the  pupil  ; 
there  is  also  a line  of  black  in  front  of  the  pupil  extending  nearly 
across  the  yellow  portion,  and  a pale  pinkish  spot  in  the  upper  part 
of  the  yellow  which  is  edged  with  a slightly  darker  shade.  On  the 
fifth  segment  are  two  large  irregular  spots  of  the  same  color,  pale 
buff,  encircled  by  a faint  ring  of  black,  and  having  a faint  pinkish 
spot  on  the  anterior  portion  of  each.  These  spots  are  nearer  to  each 
other  than  those  on  the  fourth  segment,  a portion  of  the  space  be- 
tween the  fifth  and  sixth  segments  being  deep  black.  Each  segment, 
from  the  sixth  to  the  eleventh,  inclusive,  has  four  blue  dots,  encircled 
with  black,  those  on  the  seventh,  eighth  and  ninth  sometimes  being 
largest.  On  each  side,  close  to  the  under  surface,  is  a wide  yellow 
stripe,  gradually  softening  into  the  green  above,  and  edged  below 
with  blackish  brown.  Immediately  below  the  spiracles  is  a row  of 
blue  dots  edged  with  black,  one  on  each  segment,  from  the  sixth  to 
the  twelfth,  inclusive.  The  under  surface  is  dull,  pale  greenish  or 
yellowish  white,  having  a decidedly  reddish  tinge  as  it  approaches 
the  yellow  stripe  on  the  sides.  The  feet  partake  of  the  same  general 
color." 

It  is  a plump,  good-natured  looking  creature,  and  when  fully 
grown  is  one  of  the  handsomest  of  caterpillars.  The  eye-like  spots 
have  a droll,  almost  half-reproachful  look,  as  if  they  expected  you 
to  beg  their  owner’s  pardon  for  taking  the  liberty  to  expose  him  to 
the  daylight. 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PAPILIO  TROILUS 


PAPILIONIDJE. 


353 


The  caterpillar  is  easily  reared  in  captivity,  the  chrysalis,  if  found 
in  the  autumn,  remaining  unchanged  until  the  spring. 

It  is  wood  brown  and  has  two  ear-like  projections  on  the  anterior 
end.  It  is  suspended  by  its  posterior  end,  with  a silken  girdle  about 


Papilio  palamedes. 


its  body,  frequently  in  an  upright  position,  and  from  a twig  or 
branch.  The  butterfly  is  frequently  seen  in  clover  fields,  where  it 
may  be  closely  approached  as  it  thrusts  its  tongue  into  the  tiny  blos- 
soms composing  the  heads  of  clover. 

Specimens  vary  a good  deal  in  size,  but  are  surprisingly  uniform 
in  color,  and  among  hundreds  of  specimens  one  will  rarely  find  an 
insect  showing  great  variation  from  the  prevailing  tints.  The  sexes, 
too,  except  for  size,  the  females  usually  being  the  larger,  are  much 
alike. 

Papilio  palamedes  is  another  grand  butterfly.  It  inhabits  Florida 


354 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


and  the  gulf  states,  and  occasionally  strays  as  far  north  as  Virginia. 
It  is  rich  dark  brown  above,  with  light  yellow  spots.  Below  it  is 
somewhat  lighter,  with  faint  yellow  spots  on  the  upper  wings  and 
two  rows  of  orange  spots  on  the  lower  pair.  This  insect  is  plentiful 
during  March  in  southern  Florida.  Its  larva  feeds  largely  on  the 
orange. 


Papilio  palamedes.  Underside. 


An  insect  of  rare  beauty  and  one  of  the  finest  of  our  native 
species  is  Papilio  philenor.  It  is  a widely  distributed  butterfly,  being 
found  over  almost  the  whole  of  the  continent  from  Massachusetts 
southward,  and  extending  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  coast. 

Like  many  other  species,  it  is  exceedingly  variable  in  its  abun- 
dance, and  although  usually  rare  in  New  England,  was  three  or  four 
years  ago,  one  of  our  most  common  Papilios.  Our  eastern  specimens 
were,  however,  a good  deal  smaller  and  less  beautiful  than  the  grand 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES 


DENTON 


Upper  Side 


Under  Side 


PAPILIO  PH1LENOR 


MOTHS  AND  BUTTERFLIES. 


355 


insects  found  in  the  southern  and  western  states.  While  fishing  on 

o 

streams  in  the  west  I have  often  seen  this  butterfly  resting  on  the 


Larva  and  chrysalis  of  Papilio  philenor. 


muddy  banks,  or  flying  leisurely  along  the  wooded  shores,  the  pol- 
ished surface  of  its  dark  blue  and  green  wings  flashing  in  the  sun- 

o o o 

light  and  adding  materially  to  the  beauty  of  the  scene. 


Papilio  polydamas. 

It  is  often  attracted  to  the  flowers  of  the  garden,  and  clover  fields 
are  a favorite  haunt.  In  such  places  it  is  easily  approached. 


356 


PAPILIONIDiE. 


The  larva  feeds  on  the  leaves  of  the  pipe  vine,  or  Dutchman’s 
pipe,  as  it  is  more  commonly  called,  and  is  a remarkable  looking 
creature,  being  dark  brown  in  color  or  sometimes  even  black,  with 
rows  of  reddish  spots  and  having  many  fleshy  filaments  or  soft  horns 
protruding  from  different  parts  of  the  body.  The  chrysalis  is  pink 
and  brown,  with  mottlings  of  yellow  on  the  back. 

Papilio  polydamas  is  easily  recognized  by  its  lack  of  the  tails  on 
the  lower  wings  so  characteristic  of  the  genus  Papilio.  This  insect 
inhabits  Mexico  and  Central  America  and  the  West  Indies,  but  is 
also  found  in  Florida  and  Texas. 


Papilio  polydamas.  Underside. 


The  predominating  color  is  black  with  blue  and  green  reflections, 
although  less  striking  in  this  respect  than  the  preceding  species. 
The  single  row  of  spots  inside  the  margins  of  the  wings  is  yellow. 
Below  the  wings  are  brown,  with  the  outer  half  of  the  lower  pair 
black.  A row  of  rusty  red  spots  extends  along  the  outer  portion  of 
the  lower  wing,  and  outside  of  this  are  several  small  silvery  spots. 
A row  of  light  yellow  spots  crosses  the  upper  wings  and  both  wings 
are  margined  with  narrow,  light  yellow  spots. 


GENERAL  INDEX 


Acidalia  ennucleata  . . .54 

Actias  luna 112 

AEgeria  exitiosa 137 

tipuliforme  ....  138 

pyri 138 

iEgeridse  . . . . . .137 

Ageronia 245 

ferona 240 

fornax  .....  240 

Agraulis 290 

vanilhc  .....  296 

Agrotis .......  70 

c-nigram  .....  77 

herillis  .....  78 

normaniana  ....  78 

tasselata 77 

venerabilis  . . . .78 

Aletia  argillacea 72 

Alucita  hexadactyla  ....  44 

Alypia  octomaculata  ...  135 

Amphidasis  cognataria  . . 52 

Amphion  nessus  ....  157 

Anartia  ......  260 

jatropha? .....  200 

Ancyloxypha  numitas  ...  170 

Angerona  crocataria  ....  50 

Angle  wings 123 

Anisopteryx  autumnata  .50 

vernata  ....  50 

Anisota 91 

rubicunda  . . .93 

senatoria . . . . .91 

stigma 92 

virginiensis  ....  92 

Antenn;c 2 

Anthoeharis ......  329 

genutia  ....  331 

olympia  ....  331 

Antithesia  pruniana  ....  41 

Apatela  americana  ....  81 

lobelia? 81 


Apatelodes  torrefacta  ....  121 

Apatura 227 

alieia 233 

celtis 231 

clyton 228 

flora 232 

ocellata 230 

Arctia 129 

arge 130 

nais 129 

phalerata 131 

virginica  . . . . .131 

Argynnis  ......  284 

alcestis 294 

aphrodite  ....  293 

atlantis 294 

bellona  .....  295 

cybele 292 

diana  ...  . 288 

idalia  .....  287 
montinus  ....  295 

myrina 294 

Army  worm  ......  72 

Assembling 32 

Attacus 102 

angulifera  ....  109 
cecropia .....  102 

cynthia 104 

promethia  ....  105 

splendens  ....  104 

Bellura  gorttnides  ....  75 

Blues 179 

Bombycida? 82 

Bombyx  mori  . • .115 

Brephos  infans 50 

Brown-tail  moth 117 

Butterflies  ......  104 

Butterflies,  when  most  abundant.  . 30 

Butterfly  scales 1 

tablet 19 


358 

GENERAL  INDEX. 

Cabinet 

26 

Collecting  about  flowers 

Calephelis  ccenius 

207 

Collecting  butterflies  . 

Caloeampa  nupera 

78 

Collecting  jar 

Callieore 

256 

Collecting  moths  . 

clymena 

257 

Collecting  papers 

Callidryas 

316 

Collecting  with  a lamp 

agarithe 

322 

Collection.  To  make  a 

argante 

321 

Ccelodasys  . . . . 

cipris  . 

318 

biguttata 

eubule 

316 

unicornis 

phylea 

318 

Cotton  worm 

Callimorpha  interrupto-marginata 

132 

Crambus  girondella 

lecontei  . 

133 

Cucullia  speyeri  . 

Canker  worm 

51 

Coppers  . . . . 

Carpocapsa  pomonella 

47 

Ctenucha  virginica 

Catocala.  Collecting  of 

37 

Currant  borer 

Catocala 

61 

Cut  worms  . 

arnica 

67 

Cycnia  egel  .... 

antinyinplia  . 

67 

eara 

61 

D ana  is 

cerogama 

64 

archippus 

concumbens  . 

63 

berenice 

desperata 

67 

stigosa  . 

epione  . 

63 

Daremma  undulosa 

flebilis  . 

67 

Datana  ..... 

fratercula 

64 

ministra  . 

innubens 

67 

Debis  portlandia  . 

palieogama  . 

67 

Deilephila  cliamcBnerii 

parta 

64 

lineata 

relicta  . 

62 

Depressaria  robiniella  . 

subnata . 

64 

Development  of  butterfly  . 

unijuga  . 

6 7 

Dolba  hylaeus 

Cera  tom  ia  quadricorilis 

151 

Drasteria  erechtea 

Cerura  borealis  . 

118 

Drying  insects 

Chionobas  semidea 

210 

Drying-oven 

Chloerocampa  tersa 

155 

Dusk-flyers  . . . . 

Chrysophanus  hypopkeas 

186 

tlioe 

187 

Eacles 

epixanthe 

190 

imperialis 

Citlieronia  . 

94 

Edema  albifrons  . 

regalis 

94 

Egg 

Classification 

41 

Emerging  of  the  butterfly  . 

Clisiocampa  americana 

86 

Endropia  marginata 

disstria 

89 

hypoehraria  . 

Coddling  moth 

47 

Erebus  odora 

Cokenis 

296 

strex 

delila 

299 

Eucirroedia  pampina  . 

dido 

296 

Euclidia  cuspid®  . 

Julia 

296 

Eudamus  . . . . 

Colias  .... 

308 

bathylus 

eurytheme  . 

310 

lyeidas  . 

philodice  . 

309 

proteus  . 

36 

27 

14 
32 

15 
34 
27 

119 

119 

119 

72 

48 

74 

186 

134 

138 
76 

132 

299 

300 
302 
305 
152 
121 
122 
221 
142 
142 

46 

5 

152 

68 

17 

17 

139 

94 

95 
11!) 

O 

11 

54 

54 

58 

58 

74 

71 

173 
176 

174 
173 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


359 


Eudamus  pylodes 

tityrus  .... 

Eudryas  grata  .... 

Eunica  ...... 

monima  .... 

Eumenes 

Eumenia  atala  .... 

minyas  .... 
Euptoieta  claudia 
Eurema  letlie  .... 
Eutrapela  clematata  . 

transvorsata 
Evergreen  bag  worm  . 

Everyx  chaerilus  .... 
myron  .... 

Feniseca  tarquinius 
Forest  tent  caterpillar . 

Galeria  cereana 
Gastrojjacha  americana 
Gathering  chrysalides  and  cocoons 
Geometra  iridaria 
Geometridae  ..... 

Glass-wings 

Gonepteryx 

clorinde  . 
maerula 

Gortyna  nitela  .... 
Gramatophora  trisignata  . 

Grapta 

comma  .... 
faunus  .... 
gracilis  .... 
interrogationis . 
j-album  .... 
progne  .... 
Greasy  insects  .... 
Gypsy  moth 

H.khatropis  grataria 

Hairstreaks 

Halisidota  caryae  .... 

Heliconia 

charitonia 

Hellophila  unipuncta  . 

Hemaris  difiinis  .... 

thysbe  .... 

Hesperidse 

Heterocera 

Hooded  owlet  .... 
Hybernia  tillaria  .... 


Ilypolimnas 246 

Hypolimnas  bolina  ....  251 
missippus ....  249 

Hyponomeuta  millepunctatella  . . 45 

Hypoprepia  fucosia  ....  134 
miniata  ...  133 

Implements  for  collecting  . . 12 

Junonia 262 

coenia 262 

genoveva  ....  263 
lavinia 264 

Killing  Fests 18 

Kricogonia  lyside  ....  316 

Lappet  Moth 89 

Larva 7 

Young  .....  4 

Lasiocampians  .....  85 

Leaf-rollers 46 

Leopard  moth 84 

Lepidoptera 1 

Leucarctia  acraja 127 

Libythsea 209 

bachmanni  ....  209 
Life  of  a butterfly  . . . .31 

Limacodes 122 

quereeta  ....  123 
seapha  ....  123 

Limenitis 234 

arthemis  ....  238 
disippus  ....  239 

eros 241 

Ursula 234 

Logoa  .......  124 

crispata 124 

Long  beaks 209 

Loopers  or  spanners  ....  49 

Lozotamia  cerasiovorana  ...  47 

rosaceana  ....  47 

Lycsena  ......  179 

comyntas  ....  184 

pseudargiolus . . . .179 

Lycaenidse 177 

Lycomorplia  pholus  ....  134 

Macrosila  quinquemaculatus  . 148 

Carolina  ....  150 

Mamestra  picta  . . . • .75 

Moths 42 

Meganostoma 311 


176 

174 

135 

258 

259 

306 

306 

307 

296 

259 

54 

54 

125 

145 

143 

191 

89 

48 

90 

38 

53 

49 

137 

312 

315 

315 

74 

81 

271 

274 

276 

281 

271 

278 

277 

17 

116 

53 

192 

125 

305 

306 

72 

141 

140 

165 

42 

75 

52 


GENERAL 


INDEX. 


360 


Meganostoma  cassonia . . . .311 

eurydice  . . . 312 

Megathymidas  .....  160 

Megathyinus  yuccas  ....  100 

Melitsea 282 

phaeton  .....  282 

Melittea  cucurbitas  ....  137 
Micro-Lepidoptera  . . . .43 

Moult  .......  4 

Natodonta 118 

Neonympha  canthus  ....  217 
eurytris  ....  210 

gemma  ....  220 
sosybius  ....  220 

Nepticula 40 

Nerice  bidentata.  .....  120 

Net.  The 12 

Nisoniades  ......  107 

Noctuidas  ......  57 

Nymphalhhe 223 

OcNEItIA  DISPAR 116 

(Edemasia  concinna  ....  120 

Ornithoptera  .....  308 

Orgyia  leucostigma  ....  120 

Owlet  moths  .....  57 

I'am  pin  i,  a 100 

delaw  are  . . . .170 

ethlius  ....  172 
leonardus  ....  171 

mystic  ....  171 

peckius  . . . .171 

Paphia 225 

troglodyta  ....  225 
Papilionid*  ......  308 

Papilio  ajax 340 

asterias  .....  346 
cresphontes  ....  344 
daunus  .....  338 
eurymedon  ....  340 

glaucus 330 

indra 350 

palamedes  ....  354 
jihilenor  .....  354 
pilumnus .....  339 
polydamas  ....  350 

rutulus 337 

tlioas 346 

t roil  us 350 

turn  us 335 


Papilio  zolicaon  .....  350 
Parasa  fraterna  .....  124 

Parnassius 332 

Parthenos  nubilis  ....  58 

Petrophora  diversilneata  . . .53 

Pheosia  rimosa  .....  121 

Philampelus  achemon  ....  147 
pandorus ....  145 
Pholisora  catullus  ....  169 

Phragmatobia  rubricosa  . . . 128 

Phyciodes 282 

tharos  .....  282 

Pieris 323 

oleracea 323 

protodice 325 

rapae 323 

Plusia 72 

a’rea 74 

putnami  .....  73 

simplex  . . . . .73 

Poaphila  quadrifilaris  ....  68 

Porthesia  chrysorrhcea  . . . 117 

Porthetria  dispar 116 

Preparing  larva  and  pupas  ...  24 

Preparations  for  a cabinet  ...  19 

Psychomorpha  epimenis  . . . 136 

Pterophoridas  .....  43 

Pterophorus  pentadactylus  . .43 

Pupa 8 

Pyralidas 48 

Pyrameis  ......  264 

atalanta  ....  264 

cardui 266 

huntera  ....  267 
Pyrophila  pyramidoides  ...  75 

Pyrgus 172 

tessellata 172 

Pyrrliarctia  isabella  ....  128 

Relaxing  Box 2] 

Rheumaptera  liestata  ....  52 

Rhodophora  florida  ....  71 

Rhopalocera 164 

Royal  moth  ......  94 

Satyiiid.ic 210 

Satyrus  alope  .....  212 

nephele 215 

pegala 216 

Saturnia  io 99 

maia 100 

Silk  spinning 8 


GENERAL  INDEX, 


361 


Skippers 
Smerinthus  . 

excascatus  . 
geminatus 
modesta 
my  ops 
Snout  butterflies  . 

Snout  moths 

Specimens.  To  rear  . 

Spinners 

Sphingidai 

Sphinx  ehercis 

drupiferarum  . 

gordius 

kalmise 

Spreading  insects 
Sthenopis 

argen  tomacul  at  u 
argentata 

Sugaring 
Swallow  tails 

TELHA  POLYPHEMUS 
Tent  caterpillars  . 

Terias  .... 
j ucunda 
lisa  . 
nieippe 
proterpia  . 

Thanaos  brizo 

persius  . 

The  carpenter 
Thecla  .... 
augustus  . 
calanus 
edwardsii  . 
halesus 
liumuli 


1 Thecla  irus  ..... 

. 205 

niplion  .... 

. 206 

pocas  .... 

. 197 

smilacis  .... 

. 195 

strigosa  .... 

. 201 

titus 

. 204 

Therina  seminudaria  . 

. 54 

Thyreus  abbotii  .... 

. 155 

| Thyridopteryx  eplieineroeformis 

. 125 

Timetes 

. 253 

chiron  .... 

. 255 

coresia  .... 

. 254 

petreus  .... 

. 254 

Tinea  flavifrontella 

. 45 

granella  .... 

45 

Tortricida?  ..... 

. 46 

Tolype  laricis  .... 

. 90 

velleda  .... 

. 89 

Triptogon  modesta 

. 160 

Using  the  Decoy 

. 30 

Utetlieisia  bella  .... 

. 132 

Vanessa 

. 269 

antiopa  . 

. 269 

milberti  .... 

. 270 

Victorina  . . 

. 242 

steneles 

. 242 

Wood  nymphs 

. 210 

XyLEUTES  ROBIN I-E 

. 83 

Zebra  Worm  .... 

. 75 

Zerene  catenaria  . . . • 

. 51 

Zeuzera  pyrina  . . . ■ 

. 84 

Zygsenidas 

. 134 

165 

157 

159 

158 

160 

160 

209 

48 

38 

82 

139 

154 

154 

153 

155 

22 

84 

84 

84 

35 

308 

no 

85 

326 

328 

326 

327 

329 

168 

168 

83 

192 

208 

198 

200 

193 

203 


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